Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu affirmed his commitment to achieving victory for Israel during a military visit on Sunday. He stated that the military has “completely transformed reality” in the year following Hamas’s attack on October 7, which has resulted in Israel engaging in two simultaneous wars.
Fighting on Multiple Fronts
Netanyahu assured troops that Israel “will win” as they continue to confront militants in both the Gaza Strip and Lebanon. The focus has also shifted towards a potential confrontation with Iran, nearly a year after Hamas’s unprecedented assault triggered the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi, the chief of the Israeli army, remarked that Israel has successfully “defeated the military wing of Hamas.” However, despite earlier promises to “crush… and destroy” Hamas, Israeli troops have had to return to areas in Gaza where they had previously conducted operations, only to discover that Hamas militants are regrouping.
Israel’s military actions have recently intensified against Hezbollah, which has been launching rockets from Lebanon in support of Hamas. Netanyahu commented, “A year ago, we suffered a terrible blow. Over the past 12 months, we have completely transformed reality,” during a visit to the Lebanon border.
Casualties and Damage
Hamas has labeled the October 7 attack as “glorious,” asserting that the Palestinians are “writing a new history with their resistance.” The attack claimed the lives of 1,205 individuals, predominantly civilians, with dozens still held as hostages. One significant incident occurred at the Nova rave in the Negev desert, where 370 people were killed, and this tragedy was honored with candles, prayers, and music in Tel Aviv.
The military has encircled the Jabaliya area in northern Gaza, indicating that Hamas is attempting to rebuild despite ongoing strikes and conflict. Recent air strikes by Israel reportedly killed 17 individuals, including nine children.
The Israeli military offensive in Gaza has resulted in at least 41,870 deaths, most of whom are civilians, according to the Hamas-run health ministry, which the UN considers reliable. The majority of Gaza’s population is displaced, and much of its infrastructure has been devastated.
International Reactions
In discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron, Netanyahu suggested that Israel’s military actions in Lebanon could lead to “stability, security, and peace in the entire region.” In contrast, Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati urged the international community to advocate for a ceasefire.
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris stated that Washington will continue to pressure Israel and Arab leaders to agree on a truce in Gaza. Meanwhile, Jordanian and UAE leaders called for enhanced international efforts to halt both ongoing wars, while Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani warned that the conflict could escalate into prolonged regional instability.
Despite various appeals for a ceasefire and efforts by mediators, no agreements have been reached, with critics accusing Netanyahu of hindering potential resolutions.
Increased Tensions and Casualties
Israel remains on high alert as the anniversary of the October 7 attack approaches, with the military warning of potential attacks on the home front. In a suspected terrorist incident in Beersheba, a border policewoman was killed, and ten others were injured.
Israel’s military has conducted multiple air strikes against Hezbollah’s positions, including four strikes on southern Beirut. The Lebanese health ministry reported that six people were killed and 13 injured in an Israeli strike on the village of Keyfoun, near Beirut, with more casualties reported across the country.
Hezbollah claimed to have targeted an Israeli military base near Haifa with attack drones and rockets. Meanwhile, the Israeli military stated that rockets fired from northern Gaza had crossed into Israel, with one intercepted.
UN peacekeepers criticized the Israeli military for jeopardizing their safety by operating near their positions in southern Lebanon. Additionally, foreign governments have begun evacuating their nationals from Lebanon due to the escalating violence.
Ongoing Strikes in Gaza
In Gaza, an Israeli strike on a mosque-turned-shelter resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals, with Israel asserting that the attack targeted Hamas militants. On the eve of the October 7 anniversary, tens of thousands of protesters globally called for a ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon, reflecting widespread concern over the continuing violence.