Biden’s Warning Over Rafah Sharpens a Problem for Netanyahu
New York TimesMay 09
Report: Israel Targets Hamas Commander in Strikes on Gaza
Image copyright: Amir Levy/Stringer/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
The Israel Defense Forces reportedly targeted the head of Hamas operations, Raad Saad, in airstrikes on two alleged Hamas military sites in Gaza City on Saturday.
Saad is said to be one of the Hamas leaders who commanded the war from the group's tunnel system, along with Yahya Sinwar, Mohammed Deif, and Marwan Issa. It's unclear whether he survived the attack.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
Israel must be able to defend itself from terrorist attacks from Gaza or elsewhere, and the US is committed to preventing malicious actors from threatening Israel's legitimate concerns. However, the humanitarian situation in Gaza has gotten out of hand, and the Biden admin.'s red lines are clear. Netanyahu must be willing to work with the US and its allies to find a resolution to this conflict.
Pro-Israel narrative
Hamas simply cannot stay in power in Gaza, and Israel must continue fighting the good fight. Indeed, if Israel does not destroy Hamas, the group will immediately begin planning the next Oct. 7 terrorist attack. Though there are pressures at home and abroad to end the war prematurely, Israel must get the hostages back and eliminate Hamas.
Pro-Palestine narrative
It should be clear after nine months of grinding brutality that Israel's true goal is to destroy Gaza and starve its people. Even the military is now admitting that it is not capable of defeating Hamas, yet Israel's political leadership refuses to end this genocidal campaign. The US must force Israel to finally stop.