Why does Israel insist that it will attack Rafah? , ceasefire negotiations are still ongoing
Israel and Hamas are still negotiating on a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the exchange of detainees. On May 4, local time, Israeli media quoted sources as reporting that the Israel Defense Forces would enter the southern city of Rafah in the Gaza Strip regardless of whether a temporary ceasefire was achieved. Regarding Israel’s insistence on attacking Rafa, let’s look at the relevant analysis.
Since the outbreak of a new round of Palestinian-Israeli conflict on October 7 last year, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has repeatedly emphasized that the Israeli army will eventually launch a ground attack on Rafah, and stated that destroying Hamas's military capabilities is Israel's core goal. According to the Israeli military, Israel considers Rafah to be Hamas's last major stronghold in the Gaza Strip, and previous operations elsewhere in the Gaza Strip have eliminated 18 of Hamas' 24 battalions. Israel claims that Hamas has four battalions in Rafah, and that some high-level armed personnel may also be hiding in Rafah.
![Why does Israel insist that it will attack Rafah? , ceasefire negotiations are still ongoing](https://a5qu.com/upload/images/7ca42d51e5cb2039b218f82a1613fb94.webp)
In addition, some analysts pointed out that whether to attack Rafah will have a major political impact on Netanyahu. If the plan is not implemented, Netanyahu's government may be unsustainable. If he signs a ceasefire and halts the offensive, some conservative political partners may quit the governing coalition. Critics say Netanyahu is more concerned with preserving the integrity of his government and remaining in power than with national interests. Netanyahu denied this.
Analysis points out that if it really attacks Rafah, Israel will face further isolation internationally. However, even if Netanyahu is considering a deal with Hamas, he may try to appease his political allies by rhetorically refusing to be swayed by international pressure and vowing to launch Operation Rafah.
![Why does Israel insist that it will attack Rafah? , ceasefire negotiations are still ongoing](https://a5qu.com/upload/images/861fe5c52541836385f50c4ffc8489fe.webp)