JERUSALEM, Sept 17 (Askume) – Israel on Tuesday expanded its stated goals in its war in Gaza to include the return of residents to areas of northern Israel hit by attacks by Iran-backed Lebanese Hezbollah.
The decision was approved at an overnight meeting of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s security cabinet, Netanyahu’s office said.
On October 7, Hamas attacked southern Israel, triggering the Gaza War. A day later, Hezbollah launched a second offensive against Israel, and fighting has escalated along the Israeli-Lebanese border, threatening to trigger a regional conflict.
Thousands of Israelis evacuated from towns severely damaged by rocket attacks on the northern border have yet to return.
“The chances of a deal are diminishing because Hezbollah is ‘tied’ to Hamas and refuses to end the conflict. Therefore, the focus is on ensuring the return of northern Israeli communities to their homes through military operations,” Israel’s defense minister said on Monday.
