In a recent update on the ongoing conflict with Hezbollah, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant declared that Israel has entered a “new phase” in its military engagement with the militant group. This announcement follows a series of explosions that targeted communication devices across Lebanon, causing significant casualties and damage.
Speaking at a military airbase in northern Israel on Wednesday, Gallant outlined a strategic shift in Israel’s approach to the conflict. “We are shifting northward by reallocating resources, energy, and forces,” Gallant stated. He emphasized that this transition marks the beginning of a new phase in the war, which he described as requiring “boldness, determination, and perseverance.” The primary objective, according to Gallant, is to ensure the safe return of residents to their homes in northern Israel, which have been affected by the ongoing cross-border fighting with Hezbollah.
The decision to enter this new phase comes on the heels of a Security Cabinet meeting led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The Cabinet resolved to expand the conflict’s objectives, focusing on enabling displaced Israelis to return to areas along the border that have been impacted by recent hostilities.
Gallant praised the Israeli military’s progress, noting achievements by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) as well as cooperation with the Shin Bet and Mossad. However, he refrained from commenting on Israel’s alleged involvement in the recent explosions that have rocked Lebanon.
Lebanese officials reported a series of explosions over the past two days, which have caused widespread chaos. Thousands of pagers and handheld radios exploded, resulting in at least 21 deaths, including children, and injuring over 3,000 individuals. Despite the scale of the damage, Israel has not claimed responsibility for these incidents.
Sources By Agencies
