WASHINGTON: The White House is considering options for how to respond if Israel defies US President Joe Biden’s repeated warnings against launching a military invasion of Rafah without a credible plan to protect Palestinian civilians, according to one former and three current US officials.
The discussions come amidst mounting frustration within the Biden administration and among congressional Democrats over Netanyahu’s apparent disregard for Biden’s repeated calls to avoid a military invasion without a credible plan to protect Palestinian civilians.
Senator Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., voiced concerns over the perception of US effectiveness, stating that despite Biden’s strong warnings, Netanyahu continues to act independently, potentially undermining American influence.
While the Biden administration has not yet conditioned military support for Israel, considerations have been made regarding the potential withholding or delay of certain weapon sales. The administration previously set a deadline of March 24 for Israel to provide written assurance that the use of American weapons aligns with international law, signaling a potential shift in the longstanding alliance.
Despite reports of Netanyahu approving plans for a military operation in Rafah, top administration officials stated they had not seen detailed proposals or plans for the evacuation of Palestinian civilians. There’s skepticism within the administration regarding Israel’s preparedness for a large-scale offensive in Rafah, with officials suggesting that the threat may be a negotiating tactic in ceasefire talks with Palestinian resistance groups.
Administration officials have urged Israel to prioritize civilian protection and consider smaller, targeted counterterrorism missions instead of a full-scale invasion.
“We have been clear about the need to prioritize civilian protection,” a spokesperson for the National Security Council emphasized.
