Title: Report: Netanyahu's Goals in the Rafah Operation are Not Military

A report from the American newspaper "Politico" stated that American and Israeli officials have no idea when the invasion of Rafah will begin, despite Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stating yesterday: "There is a date." Three senior officials from the Biden administration and four Israeli civilian and military officials, all of whom are knowledgeable about planning, said that if Netanyahu has a date in mind, no news will reach those who will carry out the order. Instead, American and Israeli officials suggest that the Prime Minister made his statement to avert a political challenge that could jeopardize his government, as Netanyahu's goals in the Rafah operation are purely political, not military. One administration official, along with others who requested anonymity regarding private discussions, said: "We have not been informed of any date being discussed by the Israelis." National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan confirmed to reporters on Tuesday afternoon that this is the case for the United States: "If he has a date, he has not shared it with us." Netanyahu and members of his war cabinet, which includes political rivals, have not concealed their intention to send forces into Rafah, the last stronghold of Hamas, to root out the remaining 3,000 or so militants.