Netanyahu: Israel in "All Fronts" Battle with Hamas, Threatens Iran
In a recent television address, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel is engaged in an extensive battle against Hamas and associated groups on multiple frontiers, suggesting a protracted conflict ahead.
Morgan Riley
- 2023-12-30
- Updated 08:27 PM ET
(NewsNibs) - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a televised statement on Saturday, declared that Israel is fighting a comprehensive war on "all fronts" in its ongoing conflict with Hamas. Now into the 13th week of intense hostilities in the Gaza Strip, Netanyahu expressed that the Israeli nation is braced for a conflict that could endure for many months until what he termed "victory" is secured. The battlefronts extend beyond Gaza, with assaults stemming from groups linked to Iran across Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Yemen, according to Netanyahu's address.
Heightened Tensions and Regional Insecurity
Amid the regional discontent, Netanyahu called for control over the Philadelphia Corridor, the contentious border area between the Gaza Strip and Egypt. Highlighting its strategic importance, he asserted the necessity of this region being under Israeli occupation, to facilitate the desired demilitarization. While acknowledging the complexities of achieving a swift victory, Netanyahu conveyed a rare and explicit warning of potential direct action against Iran. This reaction comes in response to the nearly daily exchanges of fire taking place across the Israeli-Lebanese border.
Moreover, Netanyahu vowed that both Hezbollah and Iran could face unexpected strikes of an unprecedented scale, although specifics were not divulged. In parallel, Syria's Ministry of Defense reported an Israeli airstrike targeting the Aleppo airport, causing damage. Originating from the west of Latakia over the Mediterranean Sea, this recent airstrike is the fourth of its kind during the current upsurge of aggression with Hamas. When approached for comment, an Israeli military spokesperson in Jerusalem opted not to issue a statement on the Syrian report.
Conflict's Strain on Regional Stability
The repeated assaults on Aleppo's infrastructure point to the spiralling nature of the conflict, which could potentially exacerbate regional tensions. With Netanyahu poised for a drawn-out confrontation and his explicit threats directed towards Iran, the stability of the already volatile Middle East remains uncertain. The international community watches closely as Israel continues to navigate the challenges on its multi-front battle against Hamas and the repercussions it holds for broader regional dynamics.