Gantz Urges Immediate Israeli Action on Northern Border Against Hezbollah and Iran

📍 Location: Washington, D.C., USA 🇺🇸

Benny Gantz, a former member of the Israeli War Council and ex-army commander, emphasized the urgency for Israel to take decisive action on its northern border against Hezbollah in Lebanon. Speaking from Washington, D.C., on September 9, 2024, Gantz voiced concerns over Israel’s delayed response to the escalating threats along its northern frontier, particularly from Hezbollah, a Lebanese militant group backed by Iran.

Key Points from Gantz’s Statement:

• Call for Immediate Action Against Hezbollah: Gantz stressed that “the time has come for Israel to deal with the situation in the north of the country in the face of Hezbollah.” He argued that Israel is “very late” in addressing the threat posed by Hezbollah, suggesting that the country should have taken more decisive action sooner.
• Criticism of Evacuations After October 7 Attack: Reflecting on Israel’s response following the October 7 Hamas attack, Gantz criticized the evacuation of many northern residents, stating that Israel “made a mistake.” He expressed his belief that Israel has sufficient troops to manage the conflict in Gaza while also focusing on the northern border.
• Strategic Focus Shift: Gantz highlighted the need to shift Israel’s strategic focus to the north, indicating that while operations in Gaza have reached a “crucial point,” the next major focus should be on the northern border with Lebanon. He mentioned the possibility of striking targets in Lebanon if necessary, to neutralize the threat from Hezbollah.
• Concern Over Iran’s Influence: Gantz underlined that “the real issue is Iran,” emphasizing that Iran and its regional proxies, including Hezbollah, are the primary threats to Israel. He characterized Hamas as “an old story” compared to the broader challenge posed by Iran’s ambitions in the region.
• Possibility of Hostage Negotiations: While addressing the situation in Gaza, Gantz mentioned that Israel should seek an agreement to release hostages held by Hamas. However, if this cannot be achieved in the near term, he suggested that Israel should pivot to address the northern threat.
• Increased Tensions Along the Northern Border: Tensions have been escalating along Israel’s northern border with Lebanon, where Hezbollah operates. The group’s activities, supported by Iran, are perceived by Israel as a significant security threat. Recent military maneuvers and exchanges of fire along the border have raised concerns of a potential broader conflict.
• Gantz’s Role and Perspective: As a former leader of the Patriotic Union Party and a past member of Israel’s war government, Gantz’s remarks carry significant weight in Israeli political and military circles. His call for a more aggressive stance against Hezbollah reflects growing pressure within Israel to address multiple fronts in its defense strategy.

Benny Gantz’s statements underscore the urgent need for Israel to address threats from its northern border, particularly those posed by Hezbollah and its backer, Iran. His criticism of Israel’s current strategy and his call for immediate action suggest potential shifts in Israel’s military focus and strategy in the coming weeks.

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