The US vice president has warned Israel about potential consequences if they launch a ground assault on the city of Rafah in southern Gaza. Vice President Kamala Harris stated that moving into Rafah with a major military operation would be a “huge mistake” and emphasized that there is no place for the over 1 million Palestinian civilians currently residing in the city to go. She also mentioned that the US is ruling out nothing in terms of potential consequences should Israel proceed with the operation.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken also labeled a major ground assault on Rafah as “unnecessary” and a “mistake.” Despite the ongoing deadly military offensive in Gaza, where thousands of Palestinians have been killed and injured, resistance to US support for Israel’s military operations in the region is growing. Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez even called for the suspension of weapons transfers to Israel.
While the Biden administration continues to provide substantial aid to Israel, public opinion polls show that this unwavering support may hurt the president’s chances in the upcoming elections. Despite the criticism of the Israeli government’s actions, the White House has made it clear that they will not cease weapon transfers to Israel and share Israel’s goal of eliminating Hamas in Gaza.