Biden discusses Rafah invasion with Netanyahu amidst increasing tensions

President Joe Biden spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday as Israel prepares to launch new military operations in Gaza.

According to the White House, Biden reaffirmed his commitment to Israel to commemorate Holocaust Remembrance Day, and the two leaders additionally discussed how to “forcefully act against antisemitism and all forms of hate-fueled violence.”

“President Biden updated the Prime Minister on efforts to secure a hostage deal, including through ongoing talks today in Doha, Qatar,” White House officials said in a statement. “The Prime Minister agreed to ensure the Kerem Shalom crossing is open for humanitarian assistance for those in need. The President reiterated his clear position on Rafah.”

Biden is scheduled to deliver televised remarks Tuesday at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum’s Days of Remembrance at the Capitol on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, CIA Director Bill Burns is traveling to the Middle East this week to continue discussions about hostage and ceasefire negotiations.

Pressure is building on Biden domestically ahead of the 2024 election to end the fighting in Gaza, yet both Israel and Hamas have rejected recent ceasefire proposals.

Israel began evacuating civilians out of eastern Rafah over the weekend, and Netanyahu vowed to continue its military operations in Gaza targeting Hamas with or without international aid.

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“If Israel is forced to stand alone, Israel will stand alone,” the prime minister, speaking in English, declared. “I say to the leaders of the world: No amount of pressure, no decision by any international forum will stop Israel from defending itself.”