Controversy

Status:Resolved

Will Israel Expand Its Ground Invasion to Rafah?

Resolution:

Yes.

Resolved on May 13, 2024

Discuss on

NEVERIMMINENTLY

Claims

Last Updated 2 years ago

Yoav Gallant"Those who think we are delaying [the invasion of Rafah] will soon see there is no place we cannot reach."

IDF"It will happen, and all that remains to be decided is the method and force."Feb 17, 2024

thejerusalempost

Avi Dichter"The operation in Rafah will happen."Feb 11, 2024

thenewyorktimes

John KirbyThe US has not seen any Israeli plans "that would convince us that they are about to or imminently going to conduct any kind of major operations in Rafah."Feb 08, 2024

ABC News

Antony BlinkenThe Biden administration "cannot support a major military operation in Rafah."

Diaa Rashwan"[A]ny Israeli move in this direction [an invasion of Rafah] will lead to a serious threat to Egyptian-Israeli relations.Jan 31, 2024

thejerusalempost

Benjamin Netanyahu"If we have a deal, it [the Rafah offensive] will be delayed somewhat, but it will happen. If we don't have a deal, we'll do it anyway."

Israel Katz"Israel will have to deal with Rafah because we can't just leave Hamas there."

Benny Gantz"Either the hostages will be returned, or we will extend the fighting to Rafah."Feb 16, 2024

yahoo!news

MetaculusWill Israel expand its ground invasion to the city of Rafah on or before the first day of Ramadan (before March 12, 2024)?

Joe Biden"It [Rafah] is a red line, but I am never going to leave Israel."

Yaakov AmidrorAn invasion of Rafah "is not imminent... but it will have to be done."Feb 11, 2024

thenewyorktimes

Benny Gantz"If by Ramadan our hostages are not home, the fighting will continue to the Rafah area."

Benjamin Netanyahu"We're going to do it. We're going to get the remaining Hamas terrorist battalions in Rafah, which is the last bastion, but we're going to do it."Feb 11, 2024

ABC News

Benjamin Netanyahu"[W]e have no way to defeat Hamas without entering Rafah."

Yoav Gallant"We are completing the mission in Khan Younis and we will reach Rafah, as well."Feb 02, 2024

thenewyorktimes

Enia Krivine"Taking Rafah is critical for the IDF to achieve the war's two primary goals: destroying Hamas's military capability and returning the Israeli hostages."