Israel ,U.S  

Recent criticism from top Israeli officials follows President Biden's warning to halt arms supplies if Israel invades Gaza's Rafah, highlighting tensions over military strategy and humanitarian concerns in the ongoing conflict.

In a recent development, two senior Israeli officials have openly criticized U.S. President Joe Biden's stance on potential military action in the Gaza city of Rafah. The criticism arose following President Biden's warning that certain arms supplies to Israel could be halted if it proceeds with an invasion of Rafah.

Israel's Ambassador to the United Nations, Gilad Erdan, expressed disappointment over President Biden's statement, calling it "difficult" to hear. Erdan emphasized Israel's gratitude towards the U.S. but raised concerns about the implications of such a warning, particularly in emboldening Israel's adversaries.

The Israeli military has already defied international objections by conducting operations in eastern Rafah, citing the presence of Hamas militants in the area. However, the city is also densely populated with Palestinian civilians, raising humanitarian concerns.

President Biden's remarks underscored his administration's stance on minimizing civilian casualties in Gaza. He emphasized the importance of restraint in using certain weapons that have resulted in civilian deaths.

Erdan warned that President Biden's statement could be perceived by Israel's adversaries, including Iran, Hamas, and Hezbollah, as a sign of weakness. He questioned how Israel could achieve its security goals if it were restricted from entering strategically important areas like Rafah.

Israel's Finance Minister, Bezalel Smotrich, echoed similar sentiments, affirming Israel's determination to pursue its objectives in Gaza despite the U.S. threat. Smotrich emphasized the need to eliminate Hamas and secure the release of Israeli hostages, advocating for a decisive military campaign.

Recent reports indicate heavy shelling in Rafah, with the Israeli military targeting Hamas positions in the Gaza Strip. The seizure of Rafah's border crossing into Egypt further highlights Israel's military operations in the region.

The situation underscores the complex dynamics between Israel, the United States, and regional actors in the ongoing conflict. President Biden's warning reflects the delicate balance between supporting Israel's security concerns while advocating for humanitarian principles and minimizing civilian casualties.

As the situation unfolds, diplomatic efforts and international pressure are likely to intensify, with a focus on de-escalating tensions and finding a sustainable resolution to the conflict.