Israel Delays Ground Offensive on Gaza City of Rafah After Iran’s Attack
Israel was on the brink of launching a ground offensive on the Gaza city of Rafah but held back following Iran’s weekend assault on their nation, igniting a fiery debate within the war cabinet on how to retaliate, Israeli sources disclosed to CNN.
The Israeli Air Force was poised to drop leaflets over parts of Rafah on Monday, with preparations underway for a ground offensive into the southernmost city of Gaza, where over 1 million people are seeking refuge.
However, plans were put on hold after Iran’s retaliatory attack over the weekend, involving more than 300 projectiles fired towards Israel, most of which were intercepted by Israel and its allies.
Despite the setback, Israel remains resolute in its intention to carry out a ground offensive in Rafah, although the timing of civilian evacuations and the impending ground operation remains uncertain.
The Israeli military chose not to comment on the situation.
Debating Response to Iran’s Attack
The war cabinet is steadfast in its determination to counter Iran’s aggression. During a lengthy meeting on Monday, military plans for a potential response were scrutinized, but a definitive decision on the course of action and its timeline is pending.
Israel Defense Forces (IDF) chief of staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi affirmed that Iran’s attack will not go unanswered, while IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari emphasized the force’s commitment to defending Israel at the appropriate juncture.
Aside from considering military retaliation, diplomatic strategies to isolate Iran on the global stage are also under review by the war cabinet.
Internal Dissension and International Concerns
Key war cabinet member Benny Gantz advocates for a swift response to Iran’s attack, expressing concerns that delaying a counterstrike could jeopardize international support for such action. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, however, is cautious in making a swift decision.
Israel is cognizant of the current international backing it enjoys and aims to preserve it, while acknowledging the imperative to address Iran’s initial attack on Israeli soil.
Military options, including a symbolic attack on an Iranian facility to convey a message without causing casualties, are being mulled over by Israeli officials, but the complexity of such a maneuver is acknowledged, fueling the ongoing debate within the war cabinet.
International Dynamics and Regional Implications
The escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, exacerbated by Hamas’ recent assaults on Israel, have far-reaching ramifications. The future of the conflict in Gaza and the potential ground offensive in Rafah are pivotal factors in the war cabinet’s deliberations on responding to Iran’s aggression.
A military escalation with Iran could divert resources and focus away from Gaza, where Israel is committed to decisively defeating Hamas. The United States has urged caution in pursuing an all-out ground offensive and emphasized the necessity of a comprehensive evacuation plan for civilians in Rafah.
As Palestinians in Gaza seek refuge in Rafah with limited escape routes due to the closed Egyptian border, the situation remains precarious. The evolving dynamics in the region underscore the complexity and urgency of the decisions facing Israel’s war cabinet. — CNN
