Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has made it clear that his country will not hesitate to continue targeting Hezbollah in Lebanon, even if a cease-fire is reached with Hamas in Gaza. In a statement on Sunday, Gallant stated that anyone who believes a temporary truce in Gaza will also apply to the northern front is mistaken. The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has been ongoing for several months, with both sides exchanging fire and causing displacement for civilians living near the border. Hezbollah, a militant group based in Lebanon, has said it will stop its attacks on Israel if a cease-fire is agreed upon in Gaza. However, Gallant has made it clear that Israel will continue to strike until their goals are achieved – which includes pushing Hezbollah away from the border. Hezbollah has been a major player in the conflict between Israel and Gaza, with their leader Hassan Nasrallah stating that the group will respect a cease-fire in southern Lebanon if one is reached in Gaza. However, he also warned that the attacks will resume and escalate if Israel continues to strike in Lebanon even after a deal is made with Hamas. In the latest development, five Hezbollah members were reportedly killed in two separate Israeli airstrikes along the Lebanon-Syria border. The Israeli military has not officially confirmed these strikes, but has announced that it has targeted several locations in southern Lebanon in response to missile launches and a “terrorist cell” in the town of Blida. According to Gallant, Israel’s targeting of Hezbollah commanders has significantly weakened the group’s ability to attack Israel. However, the conflict has resulted in the deaths of 200 Hezbollah fighters and 35 civilians in Lebanon, while nine soldiers and nine civilians have been killed in Hezbollah attacks in Israel. Diplomats from various countries, including the United States and European nations, have been working towards a potential deal to ease tensions between Israel and Hezbollah. These proposals largely revolve around a pullback of Hezbollah forces from the border, but it remains to be seen if a resolution can be reached. In the meantime, Gallant’s statement serves as a reminder that Israel is committed to protecting its borders and will not hesitate to take necessary action to ensure the safety of its citizens. The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah is far from over, but hopefully, a resolution can be reached that will bring an end to the violence and suffering of both sides.
Israel vows to target Lebanon’s Hezbollah even if cease-fire reached with Hamas in Gaza
