With Hamas nearly defeated in Gaza, Netanyahu now looks north as missiles are lobbed against Israel daily by Hezbollah.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that the intense phase of military operations in Rafah is nearing completion, setting the stage for Israel’s next strategic focus—neutralizing Hezbollah’s activities along the northern border. In his first interview with an Israeli television station since the onset of the Gaza conflict on October 7, Netanyahu shared these insights with Channel 14, emphasizing the determination to continuously counter threats.
Netanyahu says Israel is ready for battle against Lebanon’s Hezbollah militant group#Israeli_Prime_Minister #Benjamin_Netanyahu #Middle_East #Hezbollah #헤즈볼라 #네타냐후 #Arirang_News #아리랑뉴스 pic.twitter.com/viuivMoGzi
— Arirang News (@arirangtvnews) June 24, 2024
Netanyahu clarified that once the active military engagements in Rafah conclude, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) will shift their attention northward. The anticipated shift is in preparation for a potential military campaign in Lebanon aimed at removing Hezbollah from areas adjacent to Israel’s border. This action is considered necessary to halt the ongoing assaults from Hezbollah.
💫 🇮🇱 Israeli Haaretz:
“The army wants to end the battle in Gaza, but Netanyahu’s political considerations stand along the way”
Meanwhile the Semite’s faction of 🇦🇲🇵🇸 Armenia recognizes the State of Palestine. The Semite’s faction of Lebanon, Hezbollah is already fighting for🇵🇸 pic.twitter.com/sLTwyHuZof— 🇨🇦 LORD JAREDEL TSHILOMBO, METATRON (@JTMprincenews) June 21, 2024
While Israel remains open to a diplomatic solution to the threats posed by Hezbollah, Netanyahu was firm that any peaceful resolution must align with Israeli interests and ensure the complete removal of Hezbollah forces from the border areas. The prime minister highlighted the necessity of such measures to ensure the safety and return of northern Israel’s residents, who have been displaced since the conflict’s escalation in early October.
Netanyahu expressed a commitment to restoring normalcy for the residents of northern Israel, emphasizing the government’s duty to enable their safe return to their communities. He touched upon the broader implications of the conflict, including potential risks to Israeli infrastructure, such as damage to electricity facilities, though details were scant.
NETANYAHU: ‘INTENSE PHASE’ OF GAZA WAR ENDING, FOCUS SHIFTING TO HEZBOLLAH
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that the “intense phase of the war against Hxmas in the Gaza Strip is about to end.”
It means after Rafah the large scale combat operations will… pic.twitter.com/bnHMqJdtQx
— Brian BJ (@iamBrianBJ) June 24, 2024
The prime minister reassured the Israeli public of the government’s preparedness to address multiple security challenges simultaneously, underscoring the readiness to undertake necessary actions, including a third Lebanon war if required. His statements reflect Israel’s strategic posture and readiness to engage in further military actions to secure its borders and protect its citizens.
Major Points:
- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the nearing end of the intense military phase in Rafah, signaling a shift in focus towards addressing Hezbollah’s activities along Israel’s northern border.
- In his first TV interview since the Gaza conflict began on October 7, Netanyahu outlined Israel’s next steps and emphasized the continuous efforts to maintain security.
- Netanyahu indicated that following the Rafah operations, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) would potentially initiate a military campaign in Lebanon to remove Hezbollah from the border areas.
- He affirmed Israel’s openness to a diplomatic resolution with Hezbollah but stressed that any agreement must ensure the group’s removal from the border.
- The Prime Minister committed to the safe return of displaced northern residents and mentioned the possibility of Israeli infrastructure being at risk during the conflict.
James Kravitz – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News