Netanyahu expands war goals, including settling Israelis back in northern areas

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Tuesday that the country’s war goals have been expanded to include the safe return of residents in northern Israel who were displaced by cross-border violence with Hezbollah.

Netanyahu’s office confirmed the updated objectives in a statement, noting that the political-security cabinet had officially incorporated the return of northern residents into its war strategy. This decision follows ongoing clashes between Israeli forces and Hezbollah, the Iran-backed Lebanese group.

The violence erupted after Hamas launched an attack on October 7, leading to a broader conflict that has also drawn Hezbollah into the fray. The armed group, which has stated that its campaign supports Hamas, has engaged in near-daily exchanges of fire with Israeli forces.

Hezbollah has indicated it would halt its operations if a ceasefire agreement is reached for Gaza. However, Israel has maintained that it cannot permit them to remain near its border with Lebanon.

The conflict has resulted in significant casualties on both sides, with hundreds of fighters killed in Lebanon and dozens of civilians and soldiers in Israel. Additionally, the hostilities have forced tens of thousands to evacuate their homes.

On Monday, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant informed a visiting U.S. envoy that “military action” remains the “only way left to ensure the return of Israel’s northern communities to their homes.”