Israel has officially designated the safe return of residents to the north of the country as a war goal, according to a statement from the prime minister’s office. This decision was made by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s security cabinet late on Monday.
Approximately 60,000 people have been evacuated from northern Israel due to frequent attacks by Iran-backed Hezbollah from Lebanon. The cross-border conflict intensified on October 8, 2023, a day after Hamas gunmen from the Gaza Strip launched a deadly attack on Israel. Hezbollah subsequently fired at Israeli positions in support of the Palestinians.
“The Security Cabinet has updated the war objectives to include: Returning the residents of the north securely to their homes,” the prime minister’s office said. “Israel will continue to act to implement this objective.”
Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant emphasized that the only way to ensure the return of northern residents is through “military action” during a meeting with US envoy Amos Hochstein. “The possibility for an agreement is running out as Hezbollah continues to ‘tie itself’ to Hamas and refuses to end the conflict,” Gallant’s office stated. “Therefore, the only way left to ensure the return of Israel’s northern communities to their homes is via military action.”
Gallant’s remarks come amid speculation that Prime Minister Netanyahu is considering replacing him due to differing views on the Gaza war. US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin warned of the severe consequences of further escalation, stressing the importance of a ceasefire and diplomatic negotiations.
“Israel should give diplomatic negotiations time to succeed, noting the devastating consequences that escalation would have on the people of Israel, Lebanon, and the broader region,” the US Defence Department said.
Hezbollah is a Shia Muslim organization that holds significant political influence and controls Lebanon’s most powerful armed force. The group has not yet commented publicly on the current situation.
Israel’s recent decision expands its previously stated war goals, which include:
– Eliminating Hamas and its military capabilities
– Securing the return of all hostages taken during the October 7 attack
– Ensuring that the Gaza Strip no longer poses a threat to Israel
The Israeli military launched a campaign against Hamas following an unprecedented attack by the group, resulting in about 1,200 deaths and 251 people taken hostage to Gaza. According to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry, over 41,220 people have been killed in Gaza since then.
