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Biden Warns Netanyahu Against Rafah Offensive

  //politics-government.news-articles.net/content/ .. den-warns-netanyahu-against-rafah-offensive.html
  Published in Politics and Government on Friday, February 13th 2026 at 10:14 GMT by Irish Examiner
      Locales: UKRAINE, RUSSIAN FEDERATION

WASHINGTON/JERUSALEM (Reuters & Expanded Reporting) - The relationship between the United States and Israel is facing increased strain as President Joe Biden warned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against a full-scale military offensive in Rafah, Gaza, without a comprehensive plan to safeguard civilian lives. The stern warning, delivered during a phone call on Thursday, follows the tragic deaths of seven aid workers - including an American citizen - in an Israeli airstrike, sparking international condemnation and triggering a re-evaluation of U.S. military assistance to Israel.

The White House statement following the call underscored the gravity of the situation. Biden demanded a full investigation into the deaths of the aid workers and insisted on assurances that such incidents are prevented in the future. This isn't simply a request for accountability; it's a clear signal that the U.S. is drawing a red line concerning civilian casualties in Gaza, particularly as the conflict nears its six-month mark.

The deaths have amplified existing concerns regarding the conduct of the war and the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Rafah, a city bordering Egypt, is currently sheltering over 1.4 million Palestinians - the vast majority of whom have been displaced from other parts of Gaza due to the fighting. A military operation in Rafah, without robust protections for civilians, is widely feared to result in a catastrophic loss of life and further exacerbate the already dire humanitarian situation. International organizations, including the UN, have repeatedly warned against such a move.

Netanyahu's office released a statement indicating he committed to a full investigation and agreed to dispatch a delegation to the United States to discuss alternatives to a ground invasion of Rafah with U.S. officials. While this represents a concession, the fundamental disagreement over the strategy in Gaza remains. Israel maintains its intention to eliminate Hamas, which it views as a legitimate security threat, and argues that Rafah is a key stronghold for the militant group. However, the U.S. administration is increasingly vocal in its belief that this objective cannot be achieved at the cost of widespread civilian suffering.

This incident has ignited a firestorm of criticism within the United States, placing significant pressure on the Biden administration to reconsider its unwavering support for Israel. A growing number of Democratic lawmakers are now openly calling for a suspension of military aid, citing concerns over international law and human rights violations. This represents a significant shift in the political landscape and demonstrates the widening gap between traditional U.S. policy and the sentiments of a segment of the Democratic base. These lawmakers argue that continuing to provide military assistance without demonstrable improvements in civilian protection effectively makes the U.S. complicit in potential war crimes.

The ongoing negotiations for a ceasefire and the release of hostages continue to be hampered by significant obstacles. While both sides express a desire for a resolution, deep divisions persist over key issues, including the duration of a ceasefire, the terms of hostage release, and the future of Gaza. The latest developments, including the aid worker deaths and the rising tensions between Washington and Jerusalem, threaten to further derail these fragile talks.

Beyond the immediate crisis, this situation raises broader questions about the future of the U.S.-Israel relationship. For decades, the U.S. has provided Israel with substantial military and economic assistance, underpinned by a strategic alliance rooted in shared values and security interests. However, the current conflict has exposed deep fissures in this relationship, fueled by differing perspectives on the proportionality of Israel's response and the treatment of Palestinian civilians. Some analysts suggest that the Biden administration is now actively recalibrating its approach, seeking to balance its commitment to Israel's security with its commitment to upholding international law and protecting human rights. The outcome of this recalibration will have far-reaching implications for the region and the future of U.S. foreign policy.