Yesterday (Wednesday), the IDF carried out another series of massive strikes across Lebanon, this time targeting sites linked to Hezbollah’s military intelligence wing. This further demonstrates the IDF’s intelligence penetration into the terror organization and Hezbollah’s relative weakness compared to Israel. In addition, numerous rocket launchers aimed at northern Israeli cities and towns were destroyed. While Hezbollah launched hundreds of rockets and drones at Israel’s northern region (from Zichron Yaakov and northward, including a single missile toward the Tel Aviv area), they caused no significant damage to life or property.
Reports have also emerged of international discussions and pressure to promote a ceasefire on the northern front (and possibly the southern front as well). The Prime Minister addressed these reports by stating that “negotiations will only take place under fire,” indicating that Israel does not plan to halt its pressure on Hezbollah until sufficient objectives have been achieved. The U.S. and France have proposed a joint framework for a three-week ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. The potential benefit for Israel from such a move would be to break the connection that Nasrallah has made between his war and the conflict in Gaza. However, the downside would be allowing Hezbollah time to regroup, recover, and reorganize after the blows dealt by Israel, with no guarantee that they would withdraw forces or halt the conflict in the future. International media outlets suggested that this proposal may be accepted by both sides and could take effect within a few hours, though no official statement has been made by the Israeli government.
Additionally, reports have surfaced of recent understandings reached between Hamas and Fatah regarding control of border crossings and overall civilian governance in Gaza after the war. This indicates that Hamas may be willing to cede some control in the region. Such agreements could potentially bring the war on the southern front closer to an end, although Israel will need to formulate a strategy regarding Fatah’s control and ways to disarm Hamas while achieving the war’s objectives. In any case, the full picture remains in the hands of decision-makers.
