Israel’s Defence Minister, Yoav Gallant, warned that Israel’s forces have the capability to send Lebanon into a primitive state if there’s ever a conflict with Hizbullah militants. However, he stressed on the preference for a diplomatic resolution on the Israel-Lebanon frontier.
While concluding his trip to Washington, Gallant also divulged his discussions with senior US functionaries regarding his vision of governance for post-conflict Gaza. This would encompass local Palestinians, neighbouring allies, and American cooperation, but he acknowledged that it would be an intricate and extended process.
A high-ranking US official revealed to Reuters that Washington would continue to withhold a cargo of heavy artillery to Israel while its implications are examined. The halt, instigated by US President Joe Biden, was due to potential increased harm to Palestinian civilians in Gaza.
In the meantime, Israeli forces launched attacks across various regions in Gaza, resulting in extensive overnight combat in Rafah. Reports of increased combat came from the Tel Al-Sultan area in West Rafah, with tanks attempting to advance north, ensuing in severe clashes.
Moreover, Palestinian militant groups, Hamas and the Islamic Jihad, assert launching attacks against Israeli forces using anti-tank rockets and mortar shells. One Israeli military personnel lost his life while another was gravely wounded during a West Bank raid initiated by the Israeli army.
The invasion of a pharmacy near the Jenin Governmental Hospital was reported by Palestinian media, in which individuals were detained and relocated to an undisclosed location. Destruction of infrastructure inside the refugee camp and Jenin city was reported by locals.
Palestinian prisoners’ group adds that 28 individuals were apprehended by Israeli forces, including nine from Jenin.
On another front, protests against the government intensified within Israel, with activists advocating for a hostage release deal and the call for elections whilst attempting to block significant highways.
The Israeli government officials have also been the subject of planned protests. Increasing calls for a large-scale strike are prevalent. Meanwhile, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the Turkish President, condemns Western powers for allegedly supporting Israeli plans of initiating a conflict in Lebanon and causing widespread unrest in the region.
“Israel is now shifting its focus towards Lebanon, and it appears that the Western authorities are secretly applauding and even aiding Israel,” he reported to the legislators from his governing AKP party. – Guardian