Israel widened its war beyond its borders. On Tuesday the prime minister’s office announced that the security cabinet had updated the official aims of the current offensive. From now on, in addition to bringing home hostages held in Gaza and eradicating Hamas and any security threat from the enclave, Israeli authorities aim to return to their homes the 60,000 Israelis evacuated from the north after Hizballah attacks. “Israel will continue taking active steps to achieve this objective”, the prime minister’s office said, amid rumors that he may replace Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for opposing a military intervention in Lebanon.— Reuters
After the visit of the American envoy Amos Hochstein, that same night the security cabinet approved the decision in a late-night session. Netanyahu told Hochstein that the return of northern residents cannot be possible without a fundamental change in the security situation. Even Gallant, amid whispers that these could be his last days in office, told the American official that only a military action against Hizballah would allow the return of evacuated Israelis. “The possibility of a deal is running out, as Hizballah continues to link with Hamas and refuses to end the conflict”, said a Gallant office statement.— Reuters
Concerns in Europe and the United States
Hizballah has repeatedly said it will only halt its attacks once the war against Gaza ends. Since the Israeli offensive began bombing the enclave after Hamas launched its assault on October 7, the Lebanese group has deployed drones and rockets into Israeli territory, causing casualties among civilians and soldiers. In Lebanon, more than 600 people have died, including a portion of Hizballah members. The Israelis evacuated from the northern border have been housed in government-funded hotels, a cost that has weighed on the 2024 budget. Lebanese displaced persons have sought shelter with relatives or in schools turned into makeshift refuges for months on end.— Reuters
The announcement of expanded war aims has sparked fears of a full-scale clash with Lebanon. Even if the Gaza campaign ends and Hizballah ceases its attacks, many Israelis worry the north would remain vulnerable as Iran-backed forces could operate along the frontier. Residents who fled north have pressed the government to take decisive military action, believing safety depends on it. While Netanyahu has long promised to open a northern front, Gallant has remained cautious. Rumors of his possible dismissal appear to have hardened his stance. European and American observers have expressed alarm, noting that since a shift in the war cabinet, Gallant has been viewed by some as a steady voice in a volatile government.— Reuters
Gideon Saar, leader of the right-wing New Hope and a known opponent of a Gaza ceasefire, would be a possible replacement for the prime minister. This development raises concerns that Netanyahu intends to end negotiations, abandon the release of many hostages, and prepare for a broad campaign against Hizballah. Hochstein told Israeli officials that Washington does not believe a wider Lebanon crisis would help the north return, and warned that escalation could trigger a regional conflict. The American representative underscored a commitment to pursuing a diplomatic solution on the Israel-Lebanon border, independent of Gaza.— Reuters
Attacks continue in both Gaza and along the Lebanon frontier. On Monday, dozens of people were reported killed in Gaza. Overall, tens of thousands have died in Gaza and many more injured as the offensive nears its one-year mark. The humanitarian situation remains dire, with aid flow curtailed and civilians bearing the brunt of the fighting. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has arrived in the region, continuing talks aimed at achieving a ceasefire and relief for those trapped in the conflict zones.— Reuters