John KirbyThe US has not seen any Israeli plans "that would convince us that they are about to or imminently going to conduct any kind of major operations in Rafah."Feb 08, 2024
Benjamin Netanyahu"If we have a deal, it [the Rafah offensive] will be delayed somewhat, but it will happen. If we don't have a deal, we'll do it anyway."
Israel Katz"Israel will have to deal with Rafah because we can't just leave Hamas there."
Benny Gantz"Either the hostages will be returned, or we will extend the fighting to Rafah."Feb 16, 2024
Benny Gantz"If by Ramadan our hostages are not home, the fighting will continue to the Rafah area."
Benjamin Netanyahu"We're going to do it. We're going to get the remaining Hamas terrorist battalions in Rafah, which is the last bastion, but we're going to do it."Feb 11, 2024
Enia Krivine"Taking Rafah is critical for the IDF to achieve the war's two primary goals: destroying Hamas's military capability and returning the Israeli hostages."
John Kirby"[W]e never said that they can't go into Rafah to remove Hamas."
Benjamin Netanyahu"We'll go there [into Rafah]. We're not going to leave them."