Netanyahu instructed the IDF to prepare a plan to evacuate the population from Rafih before ground entry. The Prime Minister's Office stated that "it is impossible to achieve the elimination of Hamas and leave 4 battalions in Rafah", but they added - a strong operation would require the evacuation of the civilian population.
Last night, White House spokesman Kirby said that an operation in Rafa could lead to a disaster, and made it clear - the US would not support it without careful planning. An Israeli senior official said today that the background for publishing the announcement was the White House's statement.