Israel’s next move

Israel's war cabinet was set to convene on Thursday, providing members of Netanyahu's right-wing coalition with an opportunity to express their discontent over Biden's decision. While Israel possesses ample military resources in terms of weaponry and ammunition, the US move has raised concerns, as articulated by Israel's ambassador to the UN, Gilad Erdan, who stated that it could hinder Israel's efforts to achieve its objectives.

Furthermore, Israel must weigh the potential repercussions of a Rafah invasion without US support. Such a move could jeopardize the global sympathy it garnered after the October 7 terror attacks, potentially derailing ceasefire negotiations with Hamas and the return of Israeli hostages. Despite differing perspectives globally, Netanyahu perceives Hamas attacks as an existential threat to Judaism and Israel's security.

As of now, Israel has not signaled any intention to alter its plans. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant emphasized Israel's resilience, stating, "The state of Israel cannot be subdued, nor can the IDF or the defense establishment."

However, if a large-scale invasion of Rafah leads to the humanitarian crisis feared by the United States, Israel may face repercussions for disregarding the administration's concerns and openly criticizing Biden.