Netanyahu Refuses Biden's Request for a Pause in Gaza Fighting , Say Insiders
Meanwhile, Yemen's Houthis Claim to Have Shot Down a US Plane
Overt Operator
November 08, 2023
Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has refused United States President Joe Biden's request for a three day pause of fire in Gaza, as Israel continues to advance in Gaza in its effort to extinguish Hamas from power.
Meanwhile, in recent developments, Yemen's Houthi rebels have declared that they successfully shot down a US MQ-9 Reaper drone over "territorial waters" off the Yemeni coast. The Houthi army statement, translated by a machine, stated that their air defenses intercepted the American aircraft while it was conducting what they described as "hostile, monitoring, and spying activities" within Yemeni territorial airspace. The rebels further claimed that this incident was part of the US military's support for Israel.
While there is yet to be official confirmation from the Pentagon or US officials regarding the alleged drone shootdown, if proven accurate, this development could potentially draw the United States into a larger regional conflict.
Updates from the Red Sea Region
The Pentagon has deployed aerial assets over Gaza, the Mediterranean, and the Red Seas. Additionally, US warships have been deployed to intercept escalating drone and missile attacks from the Houthi rebels. One successful intercept has already taken place during the first month of the ongoing Gaza war.
Biden and Netanyahu's interests clash
In a recent phone call between President Biden and Prime Minister Netanyahu, the President urged a three-day pause in the fighting. However, insider sources indicate that Netanyahu rejected the request as Israel has affirmed that no truce will be considered until Hamas releases the hostages they currently hold. Biden, meanwhile, has told Netanyahu that he believes a pause could help persuade a hostage release.
The Houthi rebels, also known as Ansar Allah, have been actively targeting Israel with missile and drone attacks in recent weeks. The alleged shooting down of the US MQ-9 Reaper drone further highlights the complex dynamics of the ongoing conflict in the region.
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the United States will respond to the Houthi rebels' claim and whether this incident will have broader implications for regional stability. The alleged involvement of the US military in supporting Israel adds another layer of complexity to an already volatile situation.
In the absence of official confirmation, the accuracy of the Houthi rebels' claim and the extent of the potential ramifications remain uncertain. However, the incident underscores the escalating tensions in the region and the growing risk of a wider conflict.