Crunch-time in the Israel-Hezbollah War: Notes, Quotes, Video Analysis
"It will not be possible to return our residents without a fundamental change in the security situation in the north” - Netanyahu to US Israel-Lebanon talks envoy
I'm not kidding, "saber-rattling," or rumor-mongering: Israel has officially added a new war goal:
”…while Israel appreciates and respects the support of the US, it will – ultimately – do what is necessary to safeguard its security and return the residents of the north securely to their homes.” - Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu
Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister, Yoav Gallant on Monday both met with US Presidential Special Envoy Amos Hochstein at the Kirya [Defense Ministry HQ] in Tel Aviv, after the latter’s last-ditch effort to avert a full-on conflict between Israel and the Iranian-backed terror proxy, after nearly a year of cross-border strikes:
”The Security Cabinet has updated the objectives of the war to include the following: Returning the residents of the north securely to their homes.
“Israel will continue to act to implement this objective.” - GPO
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How, where, and when that goal will be implemented - and to what ground warfare remains to be seen.
However, IDF Northern Command chief, “Major General Ori Gordin, has recently suggested in private meetings that the IDF be authorized to create a security buffer zone under Israeli control in southern Lebanon, sources privy to the discussions told Israel Hayom.
Gordin argued that current conditions are favorable for the IDF to swiftly implement such a move. He noted that many members of Radwan, Hezbollah's elite unit previously stationed near the border fence, have either been killed during the past 11 months of conflict or retreated northward.
“Furthermore, the region has seen a significant departure of civilians from southern Lebanese villages. Estimates suggest that only about 20% of the pre-October 7 population remains in the area. This substantial decrease in civilian presence would allow the IDF to execute the proposed maneuver more efficiently and rapidly.
The primary objectives of this strategy are to neutralize the threat and push Hezbollah forces back, thereby safeguarding northern Israeli communities. Additionally, it aims to create leverage for negotiating a lasting settlement, as Hezbollah would likely be motivated to reach an agreement to prompt an IDF withdrawal.”
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”Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant recently hosted the Senior Advisor to the U.S. President, Amos Hochstein at the MoD HQ. The meeting was attended by U.S. Ambassador Jack Lew, Chief of Staff Shachar Katz, Military Secretary Brig. Gen. Guy Markizano, and Head of the IDF’s Strategic Division Brig.-Gen. Benny Gal.
”The parties discussed the efforts made to change the security situation on the northern border, and to ensure the safe return of Israel’s northern communities to their homes. During the meeting, the Minister and IDF officials presented the IDF’s operations against Hezbollah forces.
”Minister Gallant emphasized that the possibility for an agreement is running out as Hezbollah continues to “tie itself” to Hamas, and refuses to end the conflict. Therefore, the only way left to ensure the return of Israel’s northern communities to their homes, will be via military action.
”Minister Gallant emphasized the importance of U.S. support for Israel’s right to self-defense and for Israel’s commitment to returning citizens to their homes in northern Israel, following a change in the security situation in the area.”
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”Gallant is believed to oppose a major military operation in Lebanon at this time, according to reports in Hebrew language media, while Netanyahu has appeared at least outwardly in favor of an operation, with one report suggesting he had threatened to fire Gallant over the issue,” according to the Times of Israel.
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Meanwhile, in DC: Israeli Opposition leader, Yair Lapid, to US Sec. of State Anthony Blinken: "Israel will not be able to recover from the bloody impact, 101 abductees have been in danger of their lives for 346 days. Don't let Hamas get away with evading returning hostages. We will provide a safety net (meaning the opposition votes will offset coalition parties who would vote against a deal) to bring the kidnapped home. No extremist parties will be allowed to overturn a deal within Israel.”
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