Israel has expanded its war aims to include halting attacks by the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, raising fears of a broader regional conflict as the country’s conflict with Hamas in Gaza continues unabated.
The addition of this new objective comes as ceasefire and hostage-release negotiations over the war in Gaza languish, with over 1,200 Israelis and foreign nationals murdered and 101 hostages remaining in Gaza since the conflict began in October 2023.
Israel’s security cabinet approved the measure late Monday, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office stating that “Israel will persist in its efforts to realize this goal.” The move signals a shift in Israel’s military focus to its northern front with Lebanon, where over 62,000 residents have been internally displaced due to hostilities with Hezbollah.
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Defense Minister Yoav Gallant warned that the only way to enable the return of northern residents would be through “military action,” as he briefed U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein on the IDF’s operations targeting Hezbollah forces. However, Hochstein advised Netanyahu against escalating the conflict into a broader war in Lebanon.
The expansion of Israel’s war aims comes amid reports of Netanyahu’s intention to replace Gallant with former rival politician Gideon Sa’ar, who is known for his hardline stance on the government’s management of the conflicts. The potential appointment has already stirred controversy within Israel’s political and military circles.
As tensions continue to rise, the U.S. and other nations have expressed concerns about the potential for an expanded military campaign from Israel. The move also signals a broadening of Israel’s previously established war aims, which include dismantling Hamas, securing the release of all hostages, and ensuring Gaza does not threaten Israel.
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