Netanyahu Insists on Rafah Offensive Despite Biden's Warning
Mar 20, 2024
auto_awesome
Netanyahu defies Biden's warning for ground offensive in Rafah, facing backlash. Ohio Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown to battle Trump-backed businessman Moreno. US sees over 1 million abortions, nonprofit cancels award gala due to Elon Musk and Rupert Murdoch nominations.
Netanyahu defies Biden's warning by planning ground offensive in Rafah, risking civilian lives.
Cancellation of award gala showcases discord over honoring male figures in RBG's name.
Deep dives
Tension between Israel and the US over Gaza Ground Offensive
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's plans to launch a ground offensive in Rafa, Gaza, have strained relations with the US, despite President Biden's warnings against it. Netanyahu aims to eliminate Hamas, but faces criticism for risking civilian lives in Rafa, where many displaced Gazans seek shelter. The US-Israel disconnect highlights Biden's struggle to influence Netanyahu's decisions amidst escalating tensions and international concerns.
Political Challenges Faced by Netanyahu
Netanyahu faces domestic pressure over hostages, political coalition stability, and global criticism, including from US leaders like Vice President Kamala Harris and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. The call between Biden and Netanyahu reflects strained ties, with Schumer's critical speech emphasizing the need for new leadership in Israel. Netanyahu's political challenges amplify discord within his government and internationally.
Controversy Surrounding Ruth Bader Ginsburg Award Ceremony
The cancellation of the Ruth Bader Ginsburg Award ceremony due to honoree selection backlash exemplifies tensions between the awarding foundation and RBG's family. Criticism arose over male honorees like Elon Musk and Rupert Murdoch, leading RBG's family to demand the removal of her name from the award. The dispute underscores the importance of aligning awardee choices with the values and legacy of the honoree, reflecting deep-seated disagreements and public scrutiny.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday reiterated his plans to do exactly what President Joe Biden keeps advising him not to do: launch a ground offensive into the crowded city of Rafah in southern Gaza. Netanyahu’s comments came after Biden directly warned him against it in a phone call, their first in more than a month. Netanyahu insists a ground offensive in Rafah is the only way to eliminate Hamas, despite the fact that more than a million displaced Palestinians are sheltering there.
And in headlines: Ohio Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown will face Bernie Moreno, a Trump-backed businessman, in the November election; a new report says the number of abortions in the US topped 1 million for the first time in more than a decade; and a nonprofit canceled its annual Ruth Bader Ginsberg Leadership Award gala after it came under fire for nominating… Elon Musk and Rupert Murdoch?