Netanyahu refuses to stop bombing Gaza Top Story May 20, 2021 GAZA CITY: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to press ahead with a fierce military offensive in the Gaza Strip, pushing back Wednesday against calls from the United States to wind down the operation that has left hundreds dead. Netanyahu’s tough comments marked the first public rift between the two close allies since the fighting began last week and could complicate international efforts to reach a ceasefire. Israel continued to pound targets in Gaza with airstrikes Wednesday, while Palestinian fighters bombarded Israel with rocket fire throughout the day, international media reported. In another sign of potential escalation, militants in Lebanon fired a barrage of rockets into northern Israel.