In a significant development, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced on Monday that Israeli troops are set to take action near the country’s northern border with Lebanon. This escalation comes amidst the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.
Speaking to troops near the besieged Gaza Strip, Gallant revealed the deployment of additional forces to Israel’s north, emphasizing their imminent engagement. He also mentioned the gradual release of reservists to enhance readiness for future operations.
The Lebanese-Israeli border has witnessed frequent exchanges of fire between the Israeli army and Hezbollah, an Iran-backed movement allied with Hamas. Hezbollah claimed responsibility for 12 attacks on Israeli army positions near the border, utilizing Iranian-made Falaq-1 and Burkan missiles. In response, the Israeli army carried out air strikes on Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon, targeting infrastructure and observation posts in Markaba, Taybeh, and Maroun Al-Ras.
Israeli army chief Herzi Halevi stated earlier this month that the likelihood of war on the northern border has significantly increased. Tensions have resulted in casualties, with over 200 people, mostly Hezbollah members, killed in south Lebanon, and nine soldiers and six civilians killed on the Israeli side of the border since the outbreak of hostilities on October 7.
Gallant noted on Monday that Gaza militants were running low on supplies and ammunition, indicating a prolonged conflict against Hamas, which he estimated would take months. The situation remains fluid, with the international community closely monitoring developments in the region.
