The Israeli occupation continues to “prepare and gear up” for a large-scale military operation on the northern front with the Lebanese Hezbollah, following reports that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called for a “widespread confrontation.” Israeli leaders have confirmed their “readiness to occupy a security strip in Lebanon.”
Netanyahu described what “Israel” would face with Hezbollah during strategic discussions with security officials as a “broad confrontation,” according to “Channel 13.”
The channel quoted one of Netanyahu’s aides, saying that “the step” promised by senior officials for months has yet to be determined, adding that it could take weeks or a few months from now.
During the strategic discussions, officials stated that “diplomatic solutions alone cannot lead to the return of tens of thousands of northern ‘Israelis’ displaced since October 7th to their homes.”
According to “Channel 13,” the goal of “Israel” is to open a war front with Lebanon as soon as possible, based on the Israeli military’s readiness and international legitimacy.
Israeli security officials believe that expanding the “northern warfront” will require reducing the number of forces fighting in Gaza.
Last week, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said that “Israel is determined to restore calm on the northern front.”
Gallant added on Monday that the only way to bring settlers back to their northern settlements is through military action.
Gallant’s office stated in a statement that the minister made these remarks during a meeting with U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein.
The statement read: “The minister affirmed that the possibility of reaching an agreement is fading as Hezbollah continues to align itself with Hamas and refuses to end the conflict. Therefore, the only remaining solution to ensure the return of northern Israeli residents to their homes will be through military action.”
Meanwhile, Israeli radio reported that the northern brigade commander of the army, Ori Gordin, announced that his forces are “ready to occupy a security strip on the Lebanese side” amid growing disagreements within the government over expanding the military operation in Lebanon.
All eyes are on “Tel Aviv,” where the Israeli Security Council is expected to approve, in its meeting today, Monday, the expansion of war objectives on the northern front.
In the meantime, the Israeli newspaper “Maariv” reported that an emergency drill was conducted on Sunday in the city of Haifa, simulating various emergency scenarios, including the outbreak of war with Lebanon.
Recent days have witnessed a notable escalation in the exchange of shelling along the Israeli-Lebanese border, coinciding with Israeli threats to launch a ground war on Lebanon, despite regional and international warnings that the situation could spiral out of control.
This development comes as Israeli media outlets reported tensions between Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant over the decision to expand the military operation.
The Israeli Broadcasting Authority, citing sources close to Netanyahu, stated that he would replace Gallant if he opposed the expansion of military operations in Lebanon.
The Broadcasting Authority added that Netanyahu is pushing for the expansion of these operations, supported by the commander of the northern region.
Netanyahu stated, “The situation on the northern border will not continue as it is; this situation requires a shift in the balance of power,” adding that he would “do whatever is necessary to return the residents to their homes safely.”
