Israeli Defence Minister Declares ‘New Phase’ in Conflict with Hezbollah

Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant has stated that Israel has entered a “new phase” in its conflict with Hezbollah in Lebanon, following two days of explosions targeting communication devices throughout the country.

Speaking at a military airbase in northern Israel on Wednesday, Gallant emphasized that Israel is “shifting northward by reallocating resources, energy, and forces,” according to Xinhua news agency.

“We are at the beginning of a new phase in the war, which requires boldness, determination, and perseverance,” he noted, adding that the aim is “to safely return the residents of the northern communities to their homes.”

This announcement follows a decision by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Security Cabinet to broaden the objectives of the conflict, seeking to enable displaced Israelis to return to areas near the border affected by clashes with Hezbollah.

While Gallant commended the military’s achievements, he refrained from addressing Israel’s alleged involvement in the recent attacks in Lebanon. “The IDF is achieving excellent results, along with the Shin Bet, the Mossad, and all other relevant agencies,” he stated.

In Lebanon, officials reported that thousands of pagers and handheld radios exploded over two days, resulting in at least 21 fatalities, including children, and injuring more than 3,000 others. Israel has not taken responsibility for these incidents.