Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said on Sunday that Israel had entered “a new phase” of its war against Hezbollah in Lebanon. It came two days after explosions in Lebanese cities targeted communications equipment in a country where at least 21 were killed and more than 3,000 injured. From a northern Israel military airbase, Gallant urged Israel to be bold and persistent as it redistributes its capabilities to the north.
Shift in Strategy and Explication of Conflict Aims
Gallant confirmed that Israel shifts its attention northwards, putting further energy, resources, and forces into a confrontation with Hezbollah. The statement is coming after Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Security Cabinet agreed to extend the aims of this already raging conflict. According to Gallant, it seeks to ensure the return of Israeli residents who were displaced due to clashes across the borders with Hezbollah to their northern communities.“We are just at the beginning of a new round of the war — this takes courage, willpower, and resilience,” said Gallant. “His words underscored the intention of the government to increase military operations without sacrificing security for civilians.
Military Gains and Losses of Lebanese
Although Gallant spoke about the countries’ current state of IDF, Shin Bet, and Mossad being amazing, he did not specifically talk about the recent explosions in Lebanon involving Israel .
Lebanese officials said that thousands of pagers and handheld radios exploded throughout the country killing several children and many others.
Israel has yet to claim responsibility for the blasts but the attacks have further intensified the ongoing regional conflict over the region and the state of Israel
Current Regional Conflict
The northern Israel conflict is construed as a battle between Israel and the Hezbollah that is now regarded as moving into the rest of Lebanon. The escalating intentions to expand the cross-border battle by the Israeli government manifests its security concerns within the north, which it does not want to experience further attacks across the borders.
As tensions rise, regional actors are watching as this new phase of the conflict develops and the consequences unfold for both Israeli and Lebanese civilians.