IDF Ordered to Prepare for Military Campaign against Hezbollah

September 16, 2024

by: Itamar Eichner ~ Ynetnews

Monday, 16 September 2024 | “The situation in the north cannot continue. We need to change the balance and must return the residents home. This will not be done without changing the balance vis-à-vis Hezbollah. The Israel Defense Forces [IDF] must prepare for a broad campaign in Lebanon,” Netanyahu told his Security Cabinet.

Netanyahu’s words at the cabinet’s meeting on Thursday night, more than 11 months after Hezbollah joined Hamas in attacking Israel, were said even before Hezbollah launched dozens of rockets into Israel over the weekend. On Saturday night, the IDF attacked Hezbollah’s ammunition depots both in southern Lebanon and in the north, more than 150 kilometers [93.2 mi.] from Israel’s borders.

The Israeli officials discussing the US diplomatic effort in Lebanon, headed by envoy Amos Hochstein, are not producing any results. Although Israel is giving the American initiative another chance, it has conveyed there might be no choice but to resort to a broad military campaign in the north. According to an Israeli senior official, a military campaign in the north is a matter of time, ranging from a few weeks to a few months. Even before the operation in Rafah, Netanyahu had announced the approval of operational plans for such an operation. However, its’ start was delayed before the IDF could begin.

Israeli officials at the discussion doubted a diplomatic solution would solve the current conflict and return the displaced northern residents home. “Who will return home because Nasrallah [Hezbollah Secretary-General] will sign a paper?” security officials wondered. “How likely is it that he will agree to disarm and retreat north of the Litani River? It is a dream, and it will not happen. That is why the defense establishment understands that we will probably have to go to war to bring the people home.”

According to the officials, the war is built on two pillars: international legitimacy and arms management. After a major build-up, the IDF’s level of armaments is similar to the levels of before October 7. The IDF stated it is ready with the necessary armaments and plans in the case of an escalation.

Although the government has not decided on whether to launch a military campaign in Lebanon, Netanyahu has accepted the IDF’s statement and instructed the army to prepare for a broad campaign. In Israel, they are aiming to change the balance in the conflict against Hezbollah, and at the same time increase the pressure on the US to possibly finalize the settlement.

A senior security official estimated that Iran has not attacked Israel yet due to its fear of the American military presence. However, Iran may choose to act if Israel directly confronts Hezbollah in Lebanon. Thus, according to the source, Iran will be able to engage Israel in three arenas. Hochstein will land in Israel today. The Americans fear that war will break out and throw additional countries into a regional war. Washington hopes to postpone the war until after the upcoming US elections, fearing for Vice President Kamala Harris’s political campaign.

Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant disagree on a few issues regarding the US attempt to reach a diplomatic settlement. Netanyahu believes that the chances of an agreement are slim, but Gallant believes the US move will succeed. In addition to Hochstein’s visit, the cabinet will discuss today adding the safe return of the displaced northern residents to their homes to the war’s objectives.

Israel believes that the US will mediate between the sides only after the administration feels it is possible to bring Hamas to the negotiating table. Israel conveyed to the Americans that they must come to an understanding with Egypt and Qatar. Israel must agree with Egypt on an Israeli presence in the Philadelphi Corridor while it will demand Qatar pressure the Hamas leadership residing in the country in the form of deportation, sanctions and extradition.

At the end of the day, Hamas decides whether to move forward with the deal, but the mediators’ role is to get [Hamas leader Yahya] Sinwar to come to the table. According to Israel, that is unlikely at this point.

Posted on September 16, 2024

Source: (Excerpt of an article originally published by Ynetnews on September 15, 2024. Time-related language has been modified to reflect our republication today. See original article at this link.)

Photo Credit: U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jack Sanders / U.S. Secretary of Defense/Flickr/Wikimedia.org

Photo License: Wikimedia.org