Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicated that the intense phase of combat against Hamas in Gaza is nearing its conclusion, allowing Israeli forces to shift focus towards the northern border with Lebanon to address Hezbollah, their ally. In his first media interview since the conflict began in October, Netanyahu anticipated the completion of ground operations in Rafah, Gaza soon but emphasized that this did not signal an imminent end to the overall war until Hamas is completely incapacitated. He affirmed Israel’s readiness to confront multiple fronts simultaneously.
Hezbollah has been supporting Hamas by launching missiles, rockets, and drones into northern Israel since the October 7 attacks, which led to widespread casualties and hostage-taking in southern Israel. More than 37,620 fatalities have been reported in Gaza during Israel’s retaliatory military campaign, according to Hamas-run health authorities in the region. Netanyahu suggested that the ongoing seven-week operation in Rafah, displacing over a million Palestinians, would mark the concluding major offensive in this conflict.
Despite the scaling back in Gaza, Netanyahu stressed that Israel would maintain a proactive military stance, constantly addressing security threats (“mowing the grass”). He reiterated a willingness to negotiate a partial agreement for the release of remaining hostages but remained committed to the larger objective of eliminating Hamas. Hamas, however, dismissed Netanyahu’s stance, viewing it as a rejection of a ceasefire proposal backed by US President Joe Biden and the UN Security Council.
Netanyahu also addressed recent developments, including the killing of a Hamas commander and ongoing military actions in Rafah aimed at dismantling Hamas operations. Looking forward, Netanyahu outlined plans to redeploy forces to Israel’s northern border with Lebanon, primarily for defensive purposes but also to facilitate the return of displaced Israelis. Israel seeks Hezbollah’s compliance with a UN resolution to withdraw fighters from the border, although Hezbollah has linked any ceasefire in Lebanon to developments in Gaza.
The escalation in hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah has led to significant casualties and displacements on both sides, with military exchanges intensifying. The IDF has conducted airstrikes on Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon, responding to attacks on Israeli towns and military personnel. The situation has raised concerns of a broader regional conflict involving Iran-backed groups, prompting international warnings and diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation.
Netanyahu’s statements underscore Israel’s strategic shifts amid ongoing conflict dynamics in Gaza and Lebanon, balancing military operations with diplomatic initiatives while navigating complex regional geopolitics and international pressures.