The IDF began a major operation overnight in Rafah, with Israeli soldiers working to separate Gaza’s southernmost city from the rest of the strip. Why? It may well be to create a corridor for Gazans to leave for other countries via the Rafah Crossing. But that’s not all. This morning, Defense Minister Israel Katz announced that as part of the IDF’s expanding operations, it will “capture extensive territory that will be added the State of Israel’s security areas.” The Netanyahu government, it seems, is intent on following through on its threat to annex Gazan territory. Quick recap: Rafah has been a focal point of controversy throughout this war. Sitting on the border with Egypt, Rafah is home to the Philadelphi Corridor, a strip of land around eight miles long through which Hamas has smuggled inordinate amounts of weaponry via Egypt over the years. If Israel doesn’t control the corridor, it’s nearly impossible to stop Hamas smuggling in weaponry from the Sinai. Did you know? This exact scenario was predicted by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prior to Israel’s 2005 disengagement from Gaza. After resigning from then-Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s cabinet, Netanyahu slammed the planned withdrawal from the Philadelphi Corridor, mocking Egypt’s promise to prevent smuggling as “so clumsy that it’s tragic.” Well, he was right. But not everyone learned the right lesson. In May last year, then-President Biden threatened to stop sending Israel bombs and artillery shells if it launched a major invasion of Rafah. Israel did so anyway—and we should be glad it did. So far, Israel has retrieved nine hostages from Rafah—six dead and three alive. October 7 mastermind Yahya Sinwar was also killed by Israeli soldiers—in Rafah.
