Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that the intense phase of fighting against Hamas in Rafah, Gaza, is coming to a close, with Israel’s military operations resulting in significant casualties, including the deaths of 37,598 people, mostly civilians. Netanyahu remains resolute in his stance against establishing a Palestinian state and is focused on dismantling the Hamas regime. As the situation in Gaza stabilizes, Israel is bracing for a potential shift in conflict to the northern border, where tensions with the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah have been rising.Defense Minister Yoav Gallant is currently in the United States, amidst a dispute over delayed arms supplies between Israel and the Biden administration. The ongoing war, which has lasted for 261 days, has sparked widespread protests within Israel, with tens of thousands calling for an end to the conflict and the return of hostages still held by Hamas. Netanyahu has assured that the disagreement with Washington over weapons deliveries will be resolved soon, as Israel prepares for possible extended conflict across seven fronts, including Hezbollah, the Houthis, Iraqi and Syrian factions, the West Bank, and Iran. The international community, including the G7 countries, has urged for a resolution to the conflict through the establishment of a Palestinian state, a stance that Netanyahu has rejected.
Key points
- The intense phase of fighting in Rafah, Gaza, is nearing its end, with Netanyahu focusing on dismantling Hamas and ruling out a Palestinian state.
- Israel is preparing for a potential shift in conflict to the northern border due to escalating tensions with Hezbollah.
- Defense Minister Yoav Gallant is in the US to address the delay in arms supplies amid the conflict.
- Widespread protests within Israel call for an end to the conflict and the return of hostages.
- Netanyahu has rejected international calls for the establishment of a Palestinian state, maintaining Israel’s military control over Gaza.
Contradictions👾Netanyahu’s announcement of the end of intense fighting in Rafah contrasts with the ongoing casualties and protests against the war.
👾While Netanyahu is preparing for potential conflict with Hezbollah, there is international pressure for a diplomatic resolution.
