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After Gaza Now Israel To Strike On Lebanon? Report

  • By Thetripurapost Web Desk, Jerusalem
  • Jun 24, 2024
  • 207

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that the intense military operation against Hamas in Rafah is almost over. 

He said that after this the army's attention could shift to the northern areas bordering Lebanon, where fighting with Iran-backed extremist group Hezbollah has intensified in recent weeks. 

In an interview to Israel's Channel 14, Netanyahu said that the intense phase of the war in Rafah is about to end. However, he once again reiterated that Israel will continue its operation in Gaza until Hamas is wiped out. This is the first time that Netanyahu has given an interview to an Israeli television since the beginning of the Gaza war in October last year.

Netanyahu said that "the Israeli army is close to completing its operation in Rafah, but this does not mean that the war is over. Yes, it is about to end in its current phase, which is true. We will continue to destroy the enemies later." 

He said that fewer troops would be needed in Gaza, which would give them a chance to fight against Hezbollah. He further said that "we will have the possibility to send some troops to the north and we will do that."

In recent times, the conflict with Hezbollah has intensified on the northern border with Lebanon. This week, a campaign against Hezbollah was approved in a meeting of senior IDF commanders. 

It includes a plan to drive Hezbollah out of the area bordering Israel, so that its attacks can be stopped. Netanyahu also said that Israel is ready for a diplomatic solution to the threat of Hezbollah but it should be on our terms. 

The Israeli PM said that any diplomatic effort should include a real solution, which includes removing Hezbollah from the border. Along with this, he resolved that if needed, the problem can be solved 'differently'. He said, 'We can fight on many fronts and we are ready for it.'

Iran-backed Hezbollah began attacking Israel after Hamas launched an attack on October 7. Since then, Israel and Hezbollah have exchanged fire almost daily, but fighting has escalated in recent weeks, raising the risk of another war. White House envoy Amos Hochstein met with Israeli and Lebanese officials last week to try to ease tensions, but the fighting continues.