Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed hope for resolving differences with President Joe Biden over the war in Gaza in an interview with talk show host Dr. Phil. Netanyahu emphasized the need to destroy Hamas, stating they have no choice but to conduct a ground assault on Rafah to eliminate Hamas presence in the city. He warned that if Hamas is left intact, they will continue to take over Gaza repetitively.
Addressing Biden’s threat to halt weapons supplies to Israel, Netanyahu dismissed the U.S. threat and stated that his country is prepared to stand alone and fight if necessary. He also criticized college campus protests in the U.S., accusing world leaders of giving in to pressure and propaganda when it comes to supporting Israel. Netanyahu blamed a fusion of radical Islam and the ultra-anarchist left for contributing to antisemitism in the U.S.
Prior to Biden’s comments, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin confirmed reports that the U.S. had paused one shipment of “high-payload munitions” to Israel, specifically 1,800 2,000-pound bombs and 1,700 500-pound bombs. This decision was made due to concerns about Israel’s planned ground offensive on Rafah, which could result in significant civilian casualties and worsen the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Netanyahu’s interview with Dr. Phil highlighted his determination to combat Hamas and protect Israel, even if it means facing opposition from world leaders and the international community. Despite the disagreements with the U.S., Netanyahu stressed the importance of destroying Hamas to prevent further conflict and destabilization in the region. He emphasized the need for rational-minded individuals to understand Israel’s position and support their efforts to secure peace.
Israel’s stand against Hamas and its commitment to defending its borders were reiterated by Netanyahu, who expressed readiness to fight with all means necessary to protect his country. The Israeli Prime Minister’s defiant stance in the face of international pressure reflects the ongoing complexities and challenges in the Middle East conflict. As tensions escalate and the situation in Gaza remains precarious, Netanyahu’s statements underscore the urgency of finding a resolution while ensuring the security and stability of both Israel and the Palestinian territories.
