Categories: World

Netanyahu vows to invade Rafah regardless of potential cease-fire with Hamas: ‘It will happen’

close Video

Biden facing outrage from his own party over handling of Israel-Hamas war

Fox News correspondent Mark Meredith joins ‘Special Report’ with details on ‘Squad’ member Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich.,, subbing Biden and urging Michigan residents to vote ‘uncommitted’ in Democratic primary.

Join Fox News for access to this content Plus get unlimited access to thousands of articles, videos and more with your free account! Please enter a valid email address. By entering your email, you are agreeing to Fox News Terms of Service and Privacy Policy, which includes our Notice of Financial Incentive. To access the content, check your email and follow the instructions provided.

Israel will carry out an invasion of the Gaza Strip city of Rafah, regardless of whether or not it reaches a hostage exchange agreement with Hamas, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday.

Netanyahu made the statement during a Sunday morning appearance on CBS’s “Face the Nation” with host Margaret Brennan. He stated that Israel was still engaged in hostage negotiations, but added that the Jewish state was committed to rooting out Hamas with as little harm to civilians as possible.

“If we have a deal, it will be delayed somewhat, but it will happen. If we don’t have a deal, we’ll do it anyway,” Netanyahu said of the Rafah operation.

He went on to say that any Israeli operation in Rafah would signal that Israel is just “weeks away” from total victory in the war against Hamas.

ISRAELI SECURITY EXPERTS SAY BIDEN’S PALESTINIAN STATE PUSH IS AN ’EXISTENTIAL THREAT’

The new timing is a far cry from statements Netanyahu and other Israeli officials have made in recent weeks. Netanyahu had previously predicted that the war would last “many more months.”

BIDEN TO GO TO UN SECURITY COUNCIL TO FORCE TEMPORARY CEASE-FIRE ON ISRAEL, HALT RAFAH OFFENSIVE

The U.S. has insisted that Israel implement a plan to protect civilians in the event of a Rafah invasion. Brennan said Netanyahu told her that he was meeting “with the General Staff to discuss the ‘dual plan’ of how to evacuate Palestinian civilians from Rafah & how to lay siege to Hamas battalions there,” she said.

Israel will carry out an invasion of Rafah whether or not it reaches a hostage exchange agreement with Hamas, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday. (GPO/Reuters)

The Israeli government also released its post-war plan for Gaza on Friday, a deal that was immediately rejected by Palestinian officials.

Under the plan, Israel would seek open-ended control over security and civilian affairs in the Gaza Strip. Netanyahu’s government has flatly rejected calls for a two-state solution, which President Biden’s administration continues to push for.

Netanyahu’s government has flatly rejected calls for a two-state solution, which President Biden’s administration continues to support. (Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images)

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

The Israeli Parliament backed Netanyahu’s rejection of any “unilateral” recognition of a Palestinian state last week.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Anders Hagstrom is a reporter with Fox News Digital covering national politics and major breaking news events. Send tips to Anders.Hagstrom@Fox.com, or on Twitter: @Hagstrom_Anders.

Share

Recent Posts

Top 10 robocall hot spots in America

Americans are grappling with an ongoing surge in robocalls, a trend that has become increasingly…

25 mins ago

Georgia GOP threatens lawsuit against deep-blue Fulton County over extended absentee voting

Georgia Republicans are vowing to sue the Democratic stronghold of Fulton County after it announced…

34 mins ago

Rashida Tlaib refuses to endorse Kamala Harris as Gaza war takes toll on Dem voter base

Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., refused to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris at a rally in…

34 mins ago

‘This man stood up’: Pro-Trump group launches blistering seven-figure ad buy as closing pitch to voters

FIRST ON FOX: A pro-Trump group has launched a seven-figure ad buy as a closing…

35 mins ago

Iran claims it is capable of building nuclear weapon as Ayatollah vows ‘tooth-breaking’ response to Israel, US

close Video Gen. Keane: The damage to Iran is beyond what's being reported Fox News…

2 hours ago

US finalizes rule to block investments in China-based tech firms to protect AI, military development

close Video China launches military drills surrounding Taiwan Chinese state TV broadcast captures purported military…

2 hours ago