By Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced that his objectives for the Gaza conflict have now expanded to include ensuring that Israelis who fled areas near the Lebanese border can safely return to their homes. This decision follows almost daily cross-border clashes between Israeli forces and the Iran-backed Lebanese group Hezbollah since the onset of the Gaza war nearly a year ago.
The ongoing exchanges have displaced tens of thousands of people on both sides and risk escalating into a broader regional conflict. Netanyahu’s security cabinet approved the new objective during a meeting late Monday.
The announcement comes shortly after Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant informed a visiting U.S. envoy that “military action” might be the only solution to restore security for Israel’s northern communities. Hezbollah has suggested it might cease hostilities if a ceasefire is achieved in Gaza, but Gallant warned that time is running short.
Efforts to broker a truce have been unsuccessful, despite months of negotiations and diplomacy. The conflict, which began on October 7 with a surprise attack by Hamas on Israel, has resulted in over 1,139 Israeli deaths and more than 200 captives. In retaliation, the Israeli assault has caused over 41,000 Palestinian deaths and injured more than 95,000.
The ceasefire issue will be a major topic when U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrives in Egypt later on Tuesday. U.S. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller stated that the U.S. is working urgently on a new proposal to secure the release of all hostages, ease Palestinian suffering, and enhance regional security.
Netanyahu has publicly dismissed U.S. claims that a deal is close to being finalized, insisting on maintaining an Israeli military presence at the Egypt-Gaza border. Despite increasing international and domestic pressure, he has resisted agreeing to a captive release deal that enjoys broad support among the Israeli public.
