Netanyahu: "Lebanon military operation aims to separate Hezbollah and Hamas"

[Image source=AFP Yonhap News]

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the objective of the offensive against the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah is "to separate the war with Hamas from Hezbollah," CNN reported on the 24th (local time).

CNN cited an Israeli official saying that Netanyahu explained the purpose of the military operation in Lebanon to security cabinet members the previous day. The official said, "The cabinet agreed to escalate the military operation daily," adding, "Israel is aware of the risks and is ready to halt the operation at any time. That depends on Hezbollah."

Localized clashes between Israel and Hezbollah have continued since the conflict between Israel and Hamas began last October, but tensions have significantly escalated recently after simultaneous explosions occurred targeting Hezbollah operatives' communication devices such as wireless pagers. Hezbollah blamed Israeli intelligence agencies for the incident, which greatly heightened military tensions between the two countries.

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) pointed out that Israel's operation targeting Hezbollah is the next phase aimed at achieving the goal of completely dismantling Hamas in the Gaza Strip war. In a report released the previous day, ISW analyzed, "Israel's current military operation is intended to thwart Hezbollah's intent to assist Hamas, which is on the brink of collapse, in surviving and rebuilding."

In fact, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah has repeatedly emphasized that if Israel agrees to a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip under the conditions set by Hamas, Hezbollah will also stop attacks on northern Israel. However, Israel has stated it cannot accept a ceasefire based on Hamas's proposal, and it is analyzed that Hezbollah, which is likely to become Israel's main target after Hamas's defeat, is supporting Hamas.