Benjamin Netanyahu had pledged to “crush… and destroy” the militants as fighting began last October
Benjamin Netanyahu spoke to Israeli troops on Sunday, October 6, 2024, reaffirming his commitment to Israel’s victory against militants in Gaza and Lebanon. He emphasized that Israel’s military has “completely transformed reality” since the Hamas attack on October 7 last year, which initiated the current conflict. The attack by Hamas militants led to a devastating war, and Netanyahu promised that Israel will prevail, despite the ongoing hostilities.
In his address, Netanyahu stated that Israel is not only engaged in battles against Hamas but also preparing for potential action against Iran. The conflict in Gaza started almost a year ago, but Israel now faces simultaneous threats from Hezbollah in Lebanon, which has been launching rockets in support of Hamas. Netanyahu assured the soldiers that Israel’s military remains determined and will emerge victorious.
As Netanyahu delivered this message near the Lebanon border, he highlighted how the situation had drastically changed in the past year. The Prime Minister had initially vowed to “crush” Hamas, but Israeli troops are still encountering resistance in areas where they have already conducted operations.
Israeli Army Chief Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi supported Netanyahu’s claims, announcing that Israel had defeated the military wing of Hamas. However, recent military operations in Gaza show that militants are regrouping, prompting the Israeli military to intensify its efforts in various regions.
One of the focal points of Israel’s recent operations has been northern Gaza, specifically around Jabaliya. Despite sustained airstrikes and ground assaults, Hamas fighters have managed to rebuild some of their presence in the region. On Sunday, reports from rescuers indicated that Israeli airstrikes in this area had killed 17 people, including nine children.
The toll of the ongoing conflict has been staggering, with Gaza’s health ministry, backed by the UN, reporting over 41,000 deaths, most of them civilians. Gaza’s infrastructure lies in ruins, and much of its population has been displaced as the fighting continues.
In recent weeks, Israel has also intensified its focus on Hezbollah in Lebanon. Iranian-backed Hezbollah has been launching rockets from Lebanon, escalating tensions in the region. Netanyahu told French President Emmanuel Macron in a phone call that Israel’s actions in Lebanon are aimed at bringing stability and peace to the region, despite the current violence. Hezbollah, on the other hand, has shown no signs of backing down, with attacks on Israeli positions continuing. On Sunday, Hezbollah claimed responsibility for launching drones and rockets towards Israeli military bases near Haifa.
In Lebanon, the human cost of the conflict has been equally severe. Israeli strikes have killed more than 1,100 people since late September, with hundreds more injured. The situation has become dire in certain areas, such as the village of Keyfoun, where Israeli strikes on Sunday resulted in the deaths of six people. Lebanese officials are urging the international community to intervene, but efforts to mediate a ceasefire have so far been unsuccessful.
Adding to the complexity of the conflict is the looming threat from Iran. Israel has accused Iran of supporting Hezbollah and Hamas, while Tehran has vowed to retaliate if Israel launches attacks on its territory. Iranian missile strikes have already targeted Israel in recent weeks, but most of these attacks were intercepted by Israel’s advanced missile defense systems.
The anniversary of the October 7 attack has heightened tensions across Israel, with the military warning of possible attacks on the home front. Israeli police were on high alert after a suspected terrorist attack in Beersheba on Sunday resulted in the death of a border policewoman and injuries to several others. The assailant was reportedly killed at the scene.
In the midst of the ongoing fighting, international calls for a ceasefire have grown louder. Leaders from the US, Jordan, and the United Arab Emirates have all urged Israel and Palestinian factions to agree on a truce, but so far, no agreement has been reached. Netanyahu has faced criticism for allegedly obstructing efforts to negotiate a hostage-release deal in Gaza, a claim his administration denies.
As the situation evolves, many countries have begun evacuating their nationals from Lebanon, while protests around the world call for an end to the violence. On Sunday, demonstrations were held in major cities worldwide, demanding a ceasefire in both Gaza and Lebanon. Despite these efforts, the conflict shows no signs of abating, and the coming weeks may see further escalation as the anniversary of the October 7 attack approaches.
#GazaWarAnniversary #NetanyahuSpeech #MiddleEastConflict #IsraelLebanonTensions #GlobalPeace