President Joe Biden has requested Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to send a team of top Israeli officials to Washington in an effort to prevent a potential large-scale ground invasion of Rafah. The Biden administration is concerned that such an invasion could lead to a humanitarian catastrophe.
The meeting between Biden and Netanyahu, scheduled for early next week, aims to address the situation in Rafah. However, there are indications that despite Biden's warnings, Netanyahu is still considering entering the southern Gaza city.
This puts Biden in a challenging position, as he has taken a clear stance against the invasion, while Netanyahu appears determined to proceed with the military action. Netanyahu stated during a speech to the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee in the Knesset that the elimination of certain battalions in Rafah requires a ground incursion.
Netanyahu mentioned that they have agreed to hear the U.S. administration's ideas, particularly regarding the humanitarian aspects of the situation. However, he emphasized that Israel is committed to completing the elimination of the battalions in Rafah, indicating that a ground incursion may be necessary.
The invitation for Israeli officials to hold talks in Washington carries risks for Biden, depending on Israel's decision on how to move forward with the situation in Rafah.
