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Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu stated that the intense stage of fighting in Gaza will end soon, Amid the ongoing conflict between Hamas and the Israeli army. ‘ Israeli military’s heavy fighting against Hamas in the southern Gaza city of Rafah is nearly over’ He said in an interview with Israeli channel. Netanyahu has expressed his refusal to accept any agreement that includes a resolution to the conflict in Gaza. Instead, he has shown a willingness to consider a “partial” deal that focuses on the safe return of certain hostages who are still being held in Gaza. He clarified that this does not imply an imminent end to the overall war, but rather a conclusion to the intense phase specifically in Rafah.
Netanyahu expressed his intentions. Once the intense phase concludes, we can relocate certain troops to the northern region, and we shall proceed accordingly. This move is primarily aimed at bolstering our defensive capabilities, while also facilitating the return of the displaced residents to their homes. Israeli prime minister shared his stand in his first interview with an Israeli Channel since the start of the war with Hamas on October 7.
‘Next lebanon war’, warns Netanyahu
Israel is preparing to deploy additional troops to its northern border to confront the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah. The recent comments made by both sides have only served to increase tensions, potentially pushing them closer to the brink of war. Prime Minister Netanyahu has also indicated that the ongoing conflict in Gaza shows no signs of abating. Following Hamas’ cross-border attack on October 7th, which sparked the Gaza war, Hezbollah, backed by Iran, has been launching strikes against Israel. The exchange of fire between Israel and Hezbollah has been a daily occurrence since then, but the situation has recently escalated, heightening concerns of a full-scale war
Image credit: GPO
Netanyahu expressed his desire for a diplomatic resolution to the crisis, yet he also made it clear that he is ready to address the issue through alternative means if necessary. “We are ready to engage on multiple fronts,” he stated. Netanyahu stressed the importance of Hezbollah keeping a distance from the border, establishing an enforcement mechanism, and facilitating the return of Israelis to their homes. In the aftermath of the conflict, tens of thousands of people were evacuated and are still unable to go back. Hezbollah has announced its determination to continue fighting against Israel until a ceasefire is reached in Gaza.
Protest Against Netanyahu Government
A large number of protesters, holding Israeli flags and voicing opposition to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s administration, assembled in Tel Aviv on Saturday to demand new elections and the release of captives in Gaza. Regular demonstrations have been happening in the city as a result of concerns over Netanyahu’s management of the ongoing conflict initiated by Hamas’s assault on southern Israel on October 7. Numerous demonstrators displayed signs with phrases like “Crime Minister” and “Cease the Hostilities” while throngs of people flooded the primary street of the major Israeli metropolis.
Hofshi Israel, an organization advocating against the government, approximated that over 150,000 individuals participated in the demonstration, deeming it the largest gathering since the commencement of the Gaza war. In a symbolic act of protest, certain protesters chose to lie on the ground, their bodies adorned with red paint, within the confines of Democracy Square in the city. They intended to express their discontent with what they perceived as the demise of the nation’s democracy under the leadership of Netanyahu.
