Netanyahu: Israel to reclaim north, by diplomacy or war

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not ruled out a military action in Lebanon to secure the return of Israelis forced to leave northern Israel due to fears of attacks by Hezbollah, similar to those conducted by Hamas at the Gaza border. In a conversation with Politico, Netanyahu expressed his commitment to ensuring the safety of these displaced citizens, stating that if necessary, military intervention would be employed, although he remains open to diplomatic solutions.

Since the onset of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah on October 8, Lebanon has seen at least 313 fatalities, predominantly Hezbollah combatants, but also including 53 civilians. On the Israeli front, the conflict has resulted in the deaths of 10 soldiers and seven civilians.

The ongoing conflict has displaced tens of thousands of individuals on both sides of the border. Although most strikes have been limited to the border areas so far, recent attacks on Hezbollah positions further north have escalated concerns about a wider conflict.

Hezbollah has declared that it will not halt its attacks on Israel unless a ceasefire is achieved in Gaza.