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Source: https://www.wsj.com/articles/rafah-battle-israel-hamas-gaza-cc8ba76b?mod=opinion_lead_pos1
Why Israel Must Take Rafah
(Wall Street Journal) Editorial - The battle for Rafah in Gaza is an essential part of Israel's war of self-defense against Hamas. The terrorist group's leaders have dragged out negotiations for a ceasefire for months. The invasion of Rafah was made necessary on Oct. 7, when Hamas slaughtered 1,200 Israelis. At that moment it became impossible for Israel to allow Hamas to control territory, remain in power and plan the next massacre, as the terrorists pledge. Mr. Biden's decision to set himself against any move on Rafah is hard to understand. Since there was no other way Israel could achieve its objectives, it put the President on the side of Israeli defeat and Hamas victory. He now has a chance to support Israel so it can finish its Hamas campaign as quickly as possible. As a senior Israeli official points out, "This Administration never supports anything we do until we do it." In October, the White House opposed any ground invasion of Gaza. Israel did what it had to do - as it's doing now. Despite media reports, Hamas hadn't "accepted" a genuine ceasefire-for-hostages deal. It made its own offer that Israel end the war, which means accepting defeat.