Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced a shift in focus from the ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza to the country’s northern border, where tensions with Hezbollah have been escalating. Netanyahu stated in a televised interview that the military is close to completing its ground offensive in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, but the war against Hamas is far from over. He emphasized that fewer troops will be needed in Gaza, freeing up forces to engage Hezbollah, which has been targeting Israel since the start of the conflict.
Netanyahu’s decision to redeploy troops is motivated by a desire to defend Israel and allow tens of thousands of displaced Israelis to return home. He reaffirmed his commitment to finding a diplomatic solution to the crisis, but emphasized that Israel will take military action if necessary. The Israeli leader emphasized that any agreement with Hezbollah would require the group to remain far from the border, the establishment of an enforcement mechanism, and the return of Israelis to their homes.
Hezbollah, backed by Iran, has been warning Israel against launching a war, stating that the group has new weapons and intelligence capabilities that can target critical positions deep inside Israel. The situation has been escalating in recent weeks, with the two sides trading fire nearly every day since October. Netanyahu dismissed the possibility of a direct threat from Hezbollah, stating that Israel will not be deterred by the group’s threats.
Israel Shifts Focus from Gaza
Despite the escalating tensions, Netanyahu said he remains committed to finding a diplomatic solution to the crisis. He emphasized that a civilian administration managed by moderate Arab countries would be the only way to guarantee Israel’s security in Gaza, dismissing the possibility of a Palestinian Authority-led administration in the territory. The Israeli leader also ruled out the option of re-settling Israelis in Gaza, a position favored by some of his ultranationalist governing partners.
As tensions continue to rise, Israel’s defense minister, Yoav Gallant, is meeting with American officials to discuss the war and tensions with Lebanon. The Israeli prime minister is also set to address Congress next month, a move that is already dividing Washington along partisan lines. The situation is also complicated by the involvement of other Iranian proxies and the potential for a larger, region-wide war. White House envoy Amos Hochstein is working to stabilize the situation through diplomatic efforts, but the recent escalation has raised concerns about the potential for a larger conflict.
