Israel says announcing date for settlers return would benefit Hezbollah
In a meeting between Israel’s war cabinet and the heads of local authorities in northern Israel, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has warned that announcing a date for the return of settlers to the north would play into the hands of Hezbollah, pointing out that it is more advisable to leave that unclear, Israeli media reported.
According to Israel’s Channel 11, Gallant cautioned during the meeting against ending the war in Gaza before "completely dismantling Hamas," warning that failing to do so would strengthen Hezbollah against Israel.
The war cabinet for its part refrained from specifying a "final date" for a political solution in the north, while informed sources mentioned that Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu and Gallant requested that ambiguity be adopted in this regard.
Netanyahu meanwhile promised to authorize $930 million in financial assistance to regional authorities in northern Israel, committing himself to passing a government decision for the development of the north dealing with economic and security issues in the coming days.
Fleeing the ongoing fighting with Hezbollah, an estimated 80,000 residents have been displaced from northern Israel, some evacuating due to government orders and others voluntarily.
Since October 8, one day after the unprecedented Hamas attack in southern Israel, Hezbollah has engaged in cross-border clashes with Israel on a near-daily basis.
There is also increasing concern that the conflict could spiral out of control.
Last Thursday, Gallant cautioned that Israel must “take into account the possibility of the situation deteriorating in the north.”
He said that Israel is committed to returning the displaced residents to their homes in the north, but “if this scenario does not happen… through diplomatic means, we will reach a situation where we need to create the security conditions that allow their return.”
The likelihood that Israel will be drawn into a war in Lebanon is growing, Israeli army Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi said a day earlier during a visit to the north to see troops drilling for a simulated offensive inside Lebanon.
“We are keeping an eye on everything that is happening in the north. Hezbollah continues to provoke us, I have now conducted a special situation assessment on this matter,” Gallant said on Tuesday.
“We are prepared, we do not want war, but we are ready for any situation that may develop in the north. Therefore, we have one hand reaching to the south and a watchful eye towards the north,” he added.
Source: Naharnet
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