Biden, Netanyahu Speak as Israel Begins Evacuation, Preparation for Rafah Offensive
US President Joe Biden, left, meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, right, to discuss the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, in Tel Aviv, Israel, Oct. 18, 2023. Photo: Miriam Alster/Pool via REUTERS
i24 News — US President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke on the phone on Monday for half an hour, according to reports, as Israel braced itself for a potential operation in Rafah, a strategic area in the Gaza Strip.
CIA Director William Burns is currently in Jerusalem to confer with Netanyahu and other top Israeli officials on the impending situation.
Reports suggest that the Biden administration, which has long cautioned against military action in Rafah, is seeking urgent clarity from Israel regarding its plans for the southern Gaza city, which Israeli officials have described as the last bastion of the Hamas terror group. This development followed the initiation of civilian evacuations by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) from parts of Rafah.
According to Kan News, the US is pressing for comprehensive briefings from Israeli authorities on the proposed military campaign. High-level discussions between American and Israeli officials are slated to take place on Monday to address these concerns.
Israel, cognizant of the potential ramifications of any military operation in Rafah, considers coordination with Egypt crucial for the success of its strategic objectives. Rafah’s proximity to the border with Egypt underscores the need for synchronized efforts between the two nations.
In readiness for the anticipated offensive, the IDF has commenced preparations for the evacuation of civilians from Rafah, a move seen as a prelude to military action.
Flyers have been disseminated urging residents of eastern Rafah to temporarily relocate to designated humanitarian zones.
The calls for evacuation are being conveyed through various channels, including flyers, SMS messages, phone calls, and media broadcasts in Arabic.
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