IDF Asserts Ample Weapons for Rafah Operation; Netanyahu: We’ll Fight Alone If Necessary

By Yoni Weiss

The IDF on Thursday claimed that they possess an ample supply of munitions for their planned operations in Rafah, despite President Joe Biden’s threat to freeze certain arms shipments if Israel proceeds with a planned offensive in Rafah.

Responding to a query during a press conference, IDF Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari stated, “The IDF has armaments for the missions it is planning, including missions in Rafah. We have what we need.”

While some analysts acknowledge that the IDF likely has the necessary munitions for an offensive in Rafah, there are concerns about its ability to confront Hezbollah if a full-scale war erupts in the north and if Washington continues to withhold munitions.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, in his initial response on Thursday to Biden’s warning, asserted, “If Israel has to stand alone, we will stand alone.”

Netanyahu drew parallels to the War of Independence, emphasizing Israel’s past resilience against formidable odds. “We are determined and we are united to defeat our enemy and those who seek to destroy us… If we need to, we will fight with our fingernails. But we have much more than fingernails.”

The IDF’s current operation in Rafah has been confined to the city’s eastern outskirts and the border crossing with Egypt. However, over a million Palestinians are believed to be seeking refuge within the city limits. While the US has tentatively supported the limited operation to remove Hamas from the Rafah Crossing area, it has cautioned that its stance could change if the offensive expands or impedes humanitarian aid delivery for an extended period.

The White House recently confirmed a delay in the transfer of 2,000- and 500-pound bombs over concerns about their potential use in densely populated areas like Rafah.

Hagari underscored the strong military coordination between Israel and the US, noting regular communication between IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi and US CENTCOM chief Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla.

In a pre-recorded interview aired before Biden’s threat, Netanyahu expressed hope for resolving tensions in his relationship with Biden. However, he maintained that Israel must continue its efforts to eliminate Hamas’s presence in Rafah, which he believes requires an intensive ground campaign.

Biden’s announcement on CNN signified a tougher stance, indicating that offensive weapons support to Israel would cease if it initiated a full-scale ground invasion into populated areas of Rafah as part of its campaign against Hamas.