Israel Faces International Isolation, State Department Warns

Israel is facing potential international isolation and a deterioration of its relations with partners if it undertakes a large-scale operation in Rafah, located in the southern Gaza Strip, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller stated during a press briefing.

“We believe that a large-scale military operation will not only harm the Palestinian people, disrupt humanitarian assistance delivery, but it will also damage Israel's national security, further isolate Israel on the international stage, and distance Israel from countries that have long been its partners,” he said.

A few days ago, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized readiness to act in Rafah even without support from Washington after a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Prior to this, Netanyahu had agreed to the Israeli Defense Forces' offensive plans for Rafah.

According to Politico, citing sources, the Biden administration is prepared to support Israel's actions in Rafah aimed at destroying key Hamas targets but is urging to avoid a large-scale operation.