Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared Sunday that the active phase of its military activity against Hamas in Gaza would soon be complete and that Israeli forces were likely to redeploy along the border with Lebanon. The tensions between Israel and Lebanon have been simmering and often spilling over into skirmishes between Israeli soldiers and Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed Lebanese militant group. Netanyahu detailed that this relocation was supposed to enhance Israel's defenses against Hezbollah and allow some Israelis who fled the violence along the border to come home.
In an interview with Israel's Channel 14, Netanyahu expressed hope for a diplomatic resolution to the crisis with Hezbollah but said Israel was preparing to operate 'on several fronts' if it had to. He further went on to make clear that even as a de-escalation in Gaza seemed likely at that moment, Israel would continue to have a military presence there for now. He called for a civilian administration in Gaza, perhaps backed by neighboring countries, that would be in charge of humanitarian assistance and future civil affairs while underscoring that there could be no place for Hamas or pictured Palestinian Authority involvement in government.
The comments by Netanyahu come as there is an escalated concern from the international community pertaining to a wider regional conflict, especially between Israel and Hezbollah. The United States has warned Israel over longer-term military occupation in Gaza, insisting that all measures or actions taken towards ending the conflict have regard for stability and address humanitarian needs without further inflaming the region.
