Israel to Increase Northern Military Presence
Israel will bolster its military presence in the northern part of the country in response to threats from the terrorist organization Hezbollah.
This strategic shift comes as Israel's primary military focus moves from Gaza to the northern border with Lebanon, where the Iran-backed militia operates. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made this announcement in an interview with Israel's Channel 14 according to Marcus Oscarsson.
Netanyahu's Strategic Military Shift
Netanyahu stated that the "intensive phase" of the military offensive in Gaza is nearing its end.
"After the intensive phase is over, we will be able to move some of the forces northwards. We do this primarily for defensive purposes but also to bring our citizens home," he explained.
This statement follows a warning from Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz about a potential "full-scale war" with Hezbollah.
Katz indicated that plans for an Israeli military offensive in Lebanon have been approved, emphasizing that such a conflict would devastate Hezbollah and severely impact Lebanon.
The move comes after Hezbollah fired numerous rockets into northern Israel during the Gaza conflict, forcing tens of thousands of Israelis to flee their homes.
U.S. General Warns of Broader Conflict
The United States views the situation in northern Israel with concern. In light of recent announcements from the Israeli government, U.S. Air Force General Charles Q. Brown issued a stern warning.
According to Brown, an Israeli offensive in northern Lebanon could provoke a significant military response from Iran, potentially leading to a wider war and endangering U.S. forces in the region.
"Iran would likely provide substantial military support to Hezbollah if the group is attacked," Brown said, noting that Iran is more inclined to back Hezbollah than Hamas, despite its support for Hamas' military wing in Gaza.
Brown cautioned that if Hezbollah faces significant threats, Iran might be drawn into an armed conflict with Israel, escalating into a major war in the Middle East.
Hezbollah's leader, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, also warned that an Israeli offensive could lead to a larger war, potentially dragging Europe into the conflict, particularly if Cyprus allows Israel to use its territory to attack Hezbollah.
