Israel expands war goals to return northern residents home
- Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated the need to expand war goals to include the return of northern residents to their homes.
- The call for broader objectives follows evacuations due to attacks from Hezbollah, which intensified after Hamas' assault on October 7.
- Gallant's plans to discuss these changes with the Prime Minister highlight a strategic shift while maintaining focus on dismantling Hamas.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced the need to broaden the objectives of the ongoing conflict in Gaza to facilitate the return of residents to northern Israel. This decision comes in response to the evacuation of many border towns due to attacks from Hezbollah, which escalated following Hamas' assault on southern Israel on October 7. Gallant emphasized that the mission on the northern front is to ensure the safe return of these communities, indicating a shift in focus for the Israeli military strategy. He plans to discuss these expanded goals with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Cabinet, asserting that this does not compromise Israel's commitment to dismantling Hamas and securing the release of hostages. The situation remains tense, with ongoing military operations in Gaza and the potential for a broader regional conflict as hostilities continue along the Israel-Lebanon border.