John Bolton Tells Newsmax: Full-Scale Action Needed in Rafah Despite White House Pressure

Former U.N. ambassador and national security adviser John Bolton is urging Israel to take decisive action to eliminate Hamas in Rafah, despite pressure from the Biden administration, Bolton said during an interview on Newsmax on Tuesday.

Speaking on “American Agenda,” Bolton emphasized the importance of eliminating Hamas for the Israeli Defense Force’s operations in Rafah, stating, “Well, it should be [the end]. And Israel has waited literally for months now to begin the full-scale final effort to get to the Hamas terrorists in the tunnels under Rafah and hopefully free the last remaining hostages.”

He highlighted the pressure Israel has faced from the Biden administration, saying, “It’s hard to describe the enormous pressure the government of Israel has been under from the Biden White House not to do this.”

Following escalated tensions, the IDF launched an operation in Rafah, raising concerns about potential repercussions on U.S.-Israeli relations.

Bolton criticized the perceived limitations of the current IDF operation, stating, “Now the Israelis say that the operation is underway now, which was just described as ‘really limited.’ It’s not intended to be the beginning of the actual effort to finish off Hamas. I hope that turns out not to be true.”

Underlining the urgency of eradicating Hamas, Bolton said, “The whole point of what Hamas is doing now is to survive, and that is something Israel should not allow to happen.”

Expressing doubt about Hamas’ willingness to uphold any commitments made during alleged cease-fire negotiations, Bolton questioned the Biden administration’s position, saying, “I think the idea that you can count on Hamas to uphold any commitment it may make as part of a cease-fire, hostage exchange deal is zero.”

Recent developments have strained relations between the U.S. and Israel, with reports suggesting White House opposition to a major Israeli operation in Rafah.

According to Axios, Secretary of State Antony Blinken reportedly advised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against pursuing a major operation, citing potential harm to U.S.-Israeli relations.

White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan emphasized the importance of Israel’s actions in Rafah, stating that it would impact U.S. policy towards the Gaza conflict.

Despite warnings, the IDF initiated a limited operation in eastern Rafah, capturing the Palestinian side of the Rafah crossing between Egypt and Gaza.

“What they’ve said from the beginning is they want to eliminate Hamas’ military and political capabilities,” Bolton said. “They [Israel] need to finish the job, and they should get on with it.”

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