Israel Declares Halting Hezbollah Attacks a War Goal, Raising Specter of Wider Conflict

Israel has officially declared halting Hezbollah attacks in the country’s north a war goal, signaling a potential escalation in the ongoing conflict that could ignite a wider regional war, The Associated Press reports.

The announcement comes as Israel considers a broader military operation in Lebanon and weighs a significant leadership change amid growing tensions.

The Israeli Security Cabinet, meeting late into Monday night, announced the shift in war objectives, stating that the safe return of residents displaced from the northern border area is now paramount.

“Israel will continue to act to implement this objective,” the Cabinet said.

This declaration follows a period of near-daily attacks by Hezbollah in northern Israel, which began shortly after the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza nearly a year ago. Israel has responded with airstrikes on Lebanon and targeted killings of senior Hezbollah commanders, but the tit-for-tat violence has displaced tens of thousands on both sides of the border.

The escalation comes at a time when Israeli leaders have issued increasingly dire warnings about the situation in Lebanon. While a full-blown war appeared imminent last month, the latest announcement suggests a tougher stance.

However, the statement may be largely symbolic and may not signify an immediate change in policy. Hezbollah has stated that it would cease its attacks if a ceasefire in Gaza is reached, but those talks have repeatedly stalled.

The US has urged restraint while providing military aid to Israel, warning that a wider conflict would not achieve its goals. U.S. Envoy Amos Hochstein, who has visited both Lebanon and Israel to try and ease tensions, met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday.

According to a US official, Hochstein cautioned Netanyahu that intensifying the conflict with Hezbollah would not facilitate the return of displaced Israelis and risked sparking a broader regional conflict. The official added that the Biden administration remained committed to finding a diplomatic solution, either in conjunction with a Gaza cease-fire or separately.

Meanwhile, Israeli media report that Netanyahu is considering replacing Defense Minister Yoav Gallant with Gideon Saar, the leader of a small right-wing party, who is seen as more hawkish. This potential shake-up would be the most significant leadership change since the Gaza war began.

Hezbollah has declared that it does not seek a wider war, but is prepared for one if necessary. Defense Minister Gallant, however, has asserted that the conflict’s focus is shifting from Gaza to the north, stating that time is running out for an agreement with Hezbollah.