Netanyahu Tells Blinken That Israel Will Launch Rafah Offensive ‘Alone’ If US Opposes

The Israeli leader has rejected State Secretary Antony Blinken’s plea not to launch a major military ground operation in Rafah.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addresses the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in Jerusalem on Feb. 18, 2024. Ronen Zvulun/Reuters

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told visiting U.S. State Secretary Antony Blinken that Israel could launch a ground offensive in Gaza’s southernmost city Rafah “alone” without U.S. backing.

Mr. Blinken met with the Israeli leader in Tel Aviv on March 22 and urged Israel not to invade Rafah, saying that such an action “risks wreaking greater havoc.”