Israel Expands War Objectives to Facilitate Return of Displaced Northern Residents

Department of Research, Strategic Studies and International Relations 17-09-2024

Israel is broadening its war objectives to ensure the return of residents in the northern region who were displaced due to Hezbollah attacks from Lebanon, as stated by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The decision was finalized during a late-night security cabinet meeting, according to an official statement from Netanyahu’s office. Since the October 7th attack by Hamas, Israeli forces have been engaging in frequent exchanges of fire with Hezbollah.

Tens of thousands of Israelis were evacuated from towns along the northern border due to significant damage caused by rocket fire, and they have yet to return to their homes.

On Monday, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant emphasized that the opportunity for a potential agreement with Hezbollah was diminishing as the group continued to align itself with Hamas. Gallant stated that military action might be the only way to ensure the safe return of displaced northern residents.

Hezbollah has previously indicated it might de-escalate if a ceasefire was reached in Gaza. However, Israel has stressed it cannot permit armed groups to remain near its northern border in southern Lebanon.

The ongoing conflict has resulted in hundreds of casualties, primarily fighters, in Lebanon, as well as several civilian and military deaths on the Israeli side. The violence has displaced tens of thousands of people on both sides of the border.

Gallant met with U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein on Monday to discuss military operations and the situation of displaced Israelis. Gallant also spoke with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, reiterating that time was running out for a peaceful resolution.

While U.S.-mediated negotiations have aimed to establish a ceasefire in Gaza, no significant progress has been made in halting the fighting between Hezbollah and Israel.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is set to travel to Egypt on Tuesday for his 10th visit to the region since the conflict began. He does not have any public plans to visit Israel during this trip.

Meanwhile, after months of U.S. optimism about reaching a resolution to the Gaza conflict, the Biden administration is now collaborating with Egypt and Qatar to develop a revised plan for a potential six-week ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

On Monday, Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar stated that the group is prepared to continue its fight with the backing of regional allies, including Iran. In a message to the Houthis in Yemen, Sinwar affirmed that Hamas is ready for a prolonged conflict and, together with other Iran-aligned groups, aims to weaken Israel’s political resolve after more than 11 months of war.