Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Friday that he would like US support for his planned offensive in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, but he'd do it alone if need be, Netanyahu's office said.
"I told him that I hope we will do this with US support, but if necessary, we will do it alone."
Netanyahu's office said the only way to defeat Hamas in Gaza is to dismantle the last battalions of the Islamist organization.
In view of the dire humanitarian situation and the many civilian casualties in the Gaza, Washington's tone towards the Israeli leadership has become much harsher in recent weeks.
The US wants to dissuade Israel from launching a ground offensive in Rafah.
According to estimates, 1.5 million of the 2.2 million inhabitants of the Gaza Strip are currently seeking shelter from the fighting in other parts of the coastal region in Rafah.
Netanyahu also signalled to Blinken that Israel recognizes the need to evacuate Gaza's civilian population combat zones. Israel also wants to take care of the humanitarian needs of the people in the coastal strip.
Blinken wanted to discuss with Netanyahu and others the ongoing negotiations for the release of the hostages. He previously held talks in the Saudi Arabian port city of Jeddah on Wednesday and in the Egyptian capital Cairo on Thursday.
