Gallant changed his mind, backtracks on wanting war with Lebanon
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Israeli Security Minister Yoav Gallant has reportedly changed his mind regarding a war with Lebanon, saying he did not want one, US officials say.
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Israeli Security Minister Yoav Gallant, left, speaks during his meeting with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin at the Pentagon in Washington, June 25, 2024 (AP)
In a recent visit to the United States, Israeli Security Minister Yoav Gallant engaged in discussions with American officials on critical matters concerning the ongoing wars the Israeli occupation is waging, particularly focusing on the major fronts in Gaza and Lebanon.
According to a report by The New York Times, American officials noted a significant shift in Gallant's stance on what he previously termed the "destruction of Hamas and Hezbollah."
Initially, following October 7's Operation al-Aqsa Flood, Gallant's position was that "Israel should have responded by trying to destroy both Hamas and Hezbollah." However, his view has evolved, now suggesting that "opening a new front would be undesirable."
The newspaper highlighted that US officials believe the Israeli government is divided over the "wisdom of opening a larger front with Hezbollah in the north."
Israeli Channel 12 also reported on the pressure the Lebanese front exerts on the Israeli government and its military, revealing that the concern extends beyond the Israeli occupation to Washington as well.
US officials have expressed that halting the fighting in Gaza would be the safest way to "defuse friction between Israel and Hezbollah," as conveyed by The New York Times.
The report further mentioned that President Biden's plan has come into question due to "additional demands from Hamas and ambiguous statements from Netanyahu."
The Biden Administration has strongly urged "Israel" to not go to war with Lebanon since it would be catastrophic for both sides and potentially ignite a regional war, especially if US intervention is involved. Additionally, the United States' support for "Israel" will immensely affect Biden's presidential campaign, diminishing the votes of Arab Americans and progressives.
'Israel' has also been at war with the Palestinian resistance group Hamas since October 7, and has not been able to achieve any victories. Hamas is a significantly smaller group than the Lebanese resistance group Hezbollah, essentially lacking high-quality and advanced equipment and artillery.
Therefore, since "Israel" has not been able to defeat Hamas within these last eight months, the possibility of 'Israel' winning a war against Hezbollah is slim.
Tensions have heightened between Lebanon and "Israel" with the Israelis escalating their attacks further into Lebanese territory and threatening to send the country "back to the Stone Age." As a result, Media around the globe is speculating if there is a possibility for a full-scale war with 'Israel.'
In an article written on Diwan, a blog from the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, says that "Israel" has a lot to lose should they decide to launch a full-scale invasion of Lebanon.
