Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced an expansion of the country’s war goals, aiming to facilitate the return of residents evacuated from the northern regions due to attacks by Hezbollah.
This decision was reached after a security cabinet meeting, reflecting the ongoing conflict between Israeli forces and Hezbollah, which has been exchanging strikes since Hamas’s attack on October 7. Netanyahu’s declaration highlights Israel’s intent to regain control of areas affected by rocket fire from Lebanon, where tens of thousands of Israeli citizens were evacuated.
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant emphasized that a military solution might be the only remaining option to allow for the safe return of Israel’s northern residents.
Expand Israel’s War Goals to Regain Control of Northern Regions Amid Hezbollah Conflict
He explained that Hezbollah’s continued involvement in the conflict and its refusal to disengage from Hamas was preventing any peaceful resolution. According to Gallant, Hezbollah’s actions are closely tied to those of Hamas, meaning that military intervention may be necessary to ensure long-term security in the region.
The ongoing conflict has resulted in numerous casualties on both sides, with most deaths occurring among fighters in Lebanon. The violence has displaced tens of thousands of civilians, not only from Israel’s northern areas but also from Lebanon’s southern regions.
Despite attempts by Hezbollah to frame a ceasefire in Gaza as a potential step toward halting hostilities, Israel insists that militants cannot remain near its border in southern Lebanon.
Gallant’s discussions with key international figures, such as US envoy Amos Hochstein and US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, reflect ongoing diplomatic efforts to address the conflict. However, time is said to be running out for reaching any agreement to end the violence.
Though there have been ongoing negotiations, primarily concerning the Gaza conflict, efforts to resolve the fighting between Hezbollah and Israel have seen little progress.
Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is scheduled to visit Egypt, part of broader efforts by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar to mediate a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. As diplomatic efforts continue, Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar declared the group’s intention to sustain a prolonged conflict with the support of Iran-backed allies, suggesting that the conflict could extend well beyond its current scope.
