President Biden’s warning over halting weapons supplies has put Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a tough spot, as he navigates between international pressure for a cease-fire and right-wing Israeli calls for a full-scale invasion of Rafah in southern Gaza.
Netanyahu, who has been adamant about the need to invade Rafah despite American objections, now faces a critical moment in the U.S.-Israel relationship that could impact the next phase of the conflict with Hamas.
In response to Biden’s remarks, Netanyahu defiantly stated, “If we need to stand alone, we will stand alone. I have said that, if necessary, we will fight with our fingernails. But we have much more than fingernails and with that same strength of spirit, with God’s help, together we will win.”
With the threat of withholding American weapons, including heavy bombs and artillery shells, if Israel proceeds with a major operation in Rafah, analysts warn that the Israeli military risks losing crucial support from its top foreign arms supplier.
Former senior Israeli defense official Amos Gilead emphasized the importance of the U.S.-Israel relationship, stating, “The United States provides Israel with a steel dome — it’s not only military support; it’s strategic and political; it’s at the United Nations, the international court, and so on. If we lose the United States with the unbelievable friendship of President Biden, it won’t be forgiven.”
Despite assurances from Israeli military spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari that they have enough munitions for planned operations, experts suggest that U.S. restrictions could force Israel to adjust its military tactics.
Former national security adviser Jacob Nagel noted, “It’s possible we’ll have to economize the way we use our arms and hit more targets without precision bombs.”
While concerns have been raised about the impact of potential American arms restrictions, key members of Netanyahu’s government have expressed determination to continue the war effort.
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant affirmed Israel’s commitment to defending its citizens, stating, “The state of Israel cannot be subdued,” while far-right finance minister Bezalel Smotrich declared that Israel would achieve “complete victory” despite any pushback from Biden and potential arms embargoes.
