Israel declares halting Hezbollah attacks a primary war goal amid escalating regional tensions

In a significant shift in military strategy, Israel announced on Tuesday that halting Hezbollah’s attacks in northern Israel has become a formal war objective, according to an AP report. This new focus aims to facilitate the safe return of displaced residents and is part of a broader consideration of a more extensive military operation that could escalate into a full-scale regional conflict.

The decision follows a series of high-level meetings within Israel’s security Cabinet, which convened late into the night to reassess the nation’s strategic goals. The updated war objectives now explicitly include the safe return of residents to northern Israel, who have been displaced by persistent Hezbollah attacks. These strikes have been occurring nearly daily since the outbreak of the year-long conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.

Israeli officials have frequently threatened to escalate their military actions to counter the ongoing attacks, which have had a severe humanitarian impact, displacing tens of thousands of people on both sides of the Israel-Lebanon border. The Israeli military response has included airstrikes and targeted operations against Hezbollah leaders, resulting in significant casualties among the militant group’s ranks.

The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah intensified following the onset of the war with Hamas, which began with a surprise attack by the militant group on southern Israel on October 7. This initial assault resulted in approximately 1,200 Israeli deaths and the kidnapping of 250 individuals. Although some hostages have been released during cease-fire periods, around 100 are still being held, with a third believed to be deceased.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s announcement regarding Hezbollah comes amidst growing internal and external pressures. Israeli media reports indicate that Netanyahu is contemplating a major reshuffle in his government, potentially replacing Defense Minister Yoav Gallant with a more hawkish figure. Such a move could represent a significant shift in Israel’s approach to the conflict and regional diplomacy.

In parallel, US envoy Amos Hochstein, who has been actively involved in attempts to mediate between conflicting parties, met with Netanyahu on Monday. Hochstein warned that further escalation with Hezbollah might undermine efforts to stabilize northern Israel and cautioned that a full-scale war could trigger a broader and prolonged regional conflict. The Biden administration remains committed to pursuing a diplomatic solution, either in conjunction with a Gaza cease-fire or through separate negotiations.

Despite US diplomatic efforts, Netanyahu emphasized that a fundamental change in the security situation is essential before residents can safely return to their homes in northern Israel. While he acknowledged the value of US support, Netanyahu underscored Israel’s determination to act in its own security interests.

Defense Minister Gallant has indicated that the focus of Israel’s military strategy is shifting from Gaza to the northern front, citing limited time to reach an agreement with Hezbollah. He conveyed to U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin that the trajectory of the conflict is becoming increasingly clear and that decisive actions may be necessary.

Hezbollah, for its part, has expressed a readiness for a broader confrontation if required. Raed Berro, a member of Hezbollah’s parliamentary bloc, stated that the group is prepared to protect Lebanon and deter Israeli advances, although it does not seek an expanded war.

The war in Gaza has already had devastating consequences. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, Israeli military operations have resulted in the deaths of over 41,000 Palestinians, with a significant portion being women and children. The conflict has devastated large areas of Gaza and displaced around 90% of its 2.3 million residents.

In addition to the Gaza conflict, regional tensions have been exacerbated by Iran’s support for Hamas, Hezbollah, and other militant groups. Recent missile strikes by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels have heightened concerns, with one such strike triggering air raid sirens in central Israel on Sunday. Israel has indicated that it may respond militarily to these provocations.

Furthermore, Israel and Iran have directly engaged in hostilities for the first time this April, with Iran threatening retaliation for the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in July. The targeted killing, widely attributed to Israel, has not been officially confirmed by Israeli authorities.

Diplomatic efforts led by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt to broker a cease-fire and a broader agreement have faced significant obstacles. Despite President Joe Biden’s endorsement and UN Security Council backing, both Israel and Hamas have accused each other of introducing unacceptable new demands, resulting in a stalemate in negotiations.

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