Netanyahu Vows Rafah Op Despite Hostage Deal, Slams Election Calls | Israel Strike Hamas HQ In Gaza

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) claim its fighter jets struck a Hezbollah rocket launching position and another site in lebanon’s Jabal Blat on February 17. The IDF says it carried out a wave of airstrikes against several Hamas command rooms in the central Gaza Strip. Israeli PM Netanyahu stalled talks after saying there is no point in further negotiations for a ceasefire until Hamas changes its “delusional” demands. The Israeli PM said even if a hostage deal is achieved, the Israeli troops “will go into Rafah” as there is “no total victory without destroying Hamas battalions”. Netanyahu rejected the decision to downgrade Israel’s credit rating for the first time ever, and denied Israel needs election. Israel’s National Security Minister said “residents of the [Palestinian] Authority]” should be barred from praying at the Temple Mount (Al Aqsa) during Ramadan