Correspondents and political analysts covered the war on Gaza through Israeli channels, focusing on the phone call between US President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding a military operation in Rafah, south of Gaza, along with Egypt’s rejection of it.
The political affairs correspondent for Channel 11 in Israel, Amihai Stein, mentioned that Biden reiterated a message to Netanyahu during their call, warning that the operation in Rafah could lead to a catastrophe if not properly planned and executed. This call comes amid peak tensions between Israel and the United States.
Additionally, Channel 13’s political affairs correspondent Moria Asraf-Woolberg reported Biden’s warning to Netanyahu against carrying out the operation. An Israeli political source stated that despite Biden expressing concern, Netanyahu insisted on the necessity of the operation, ensuring minimal civilian impact.
Channel 11 also highlighted Egypt’s rejection of the operation through its military affairs correspondent, Roy Sharon. Egypt’s stance was justified by Cairo’s fear of a rush of displaced persons from Rafah entering Israeli territory. If this issue is resolved and Palestinian displacements begin towards inner regions, Egyptian opposition is expected to soften.
Sharon explained that the Egyptian regime needs to exhibit a rejection stance for internal political purposes amidst Middle Eastern conditions and in front of the Palestinians. However, with the start of evacuations, Egyptian opposition is anticipated to gradually weaken.
Furthermore, intelligence failures researcher Avner Briana conveyed information from a senior military intelligence officer stating their lack of knowledge on Gaza events despite reconnaissance balloons and eavesdropping devices. The officer indicated that information within the resistance system does not transfer wirelessly, being predominantly underground.
He remarked that while it was expected to deploy numerous military brigades along the Gaza border as a precautionary measure, the opposite occurred. The military catered to settlers’ whims, transferring more forces, neglecting the need for a strategic plan, cautioning against leaving Gaza unguarded.
Israeli media sheds light on these complexities, emphasizing implications concerning the Rafah operation and regional dynamics during this critical period.
