US White House Reiterates Opposition to Israeli Ground Offensive in Rafah

"Not Pulling Out of Israel"

The U.S. government revealed that it has warned for several weeks against Israel's plan to launch a ground offensive in Rafah, the southernmost part of the Gaza Strip, in connection with the suspension of arms supplies to Israel.

[Image source=AFP Yonhap News]

John Kirby, Coordinator for Strategic Communications at the White House National Security Council (NSC), said at a briefing on the 9th local time, "President Joe Biden has directly and repeatedly told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for several weeks that he does not support a full-scale battle in Rafah and has proposed alternative options."

The day before, President Biden stated in an interview with CNN that if Israel launches a large-scale ground offensive in Rafah, the U.S. would halt the supply of attack weapons.

Coordinator Kirby explained, "President Biden will support everything Israel needs, but will not support certain weapons used in specific operations at specific locations," adding, "This is clear, and President Biden has been consistent on this issue." He further added, "We hope Israel does not do that, but if they do, it is Israel's choice."

When asked what weapons might be suspended in the future, he was reserved, saying, "We hope that does not happen."

Coordinator Kirby emphasized, "The U.S. is not stepping away from Israel, and discussions on the Rafah issue are ongoing," adding, "The U.S. believes there are better options than a large-scale ground offensive to drive out the remaining Hamas forces in Gaza."