Israel’s Official War Goal: Safe Return of Northern Residents
In a bold move, Israel has declared the safe return of residents to the north of the country as an official war goal, as announced by the prime minister’s office.
The decision was made by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s security cabinet late on Monday following escalating tensions in the region.
Approximately 60,000 people have been evacuated from northern Israel due to near-daily attacks by Iran-backed Hezbollah in neighboring Lebanon.
The conflict intensified on 8 October 2023, a day after a deadly attack on Israel by Hamas gunmen from the Gaza Strip, when Hezbollah launched attacks on Israeli positions in solidarity with the Palestinians.
“The Security Cabinet has updated the objectives of the war to include the following: Returning the residents of the north securely to their homes,” stated the prime minister’s office.
Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant emphasized during a meeting with US envoy Amos Hochstein that military action was the only way to ensure the safe return of Israel’s northern residents to their homes.
Speculation grew regarding potential differences between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant over the conflict in Gaza.
US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin warned of the severe consequences of further escalation in the region.
Israel has repeatedly warned of the possibility of a military operation to push Hezbollah away from the border.
Hezbollah, a politically influential Shia Muslim organization with a powerful armed force in Lebanon, has not yet publicly commented on the situation.
The latest move by Israel represents an expansion of the country’s war goals, including the elimination of Hamas, the return of hostages taken during previous attacks, and ensuring that the Gaza Strip no longer poses a threat to Israel.
Since the initial attack by Hamas, the conflict has resulted in numerous casualties and ongoing tensions in the region.
More than 41,220 people have been killed in Gaza since the conflict began, according to the territory’s Hamas-run health ministry. — BBC
