Jerusalem [Israel], June 25: "The fierce phase of the war in Rafah City ( southern Gaza ) is about to end," Mr. Netanyahu said on June 23 in an interview with Israel's Channel 14, but he did not mention a specific time.
Intention to shift focus
However, Prime Minister Netanyahu emphasized that this does not mean the end of the war in Gaza is imminent. He stated that after the fierce period ends, the Israeli army will shift its focus to the northern border, where many tense clashes have occurred between Israel and Hezbollah forces in Lebanon in recent weeks, according to AFP.
Meanwhile, the opportunity to reach a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel continues to fall into a dead end after Mr. Netanyahu's latest statement. Accordingly, the Israeli leader determined not to accept the inclusion of conditions for a permanent ceasefire and ending the war in the hostage exchange agreement, while this is a prerequisite of Hamas.
Referring to the post-war scenario in Gaza, Mr. Netanyahu said that Israel will take military control in the near future, and wants to build a civilian government to manage humanitarian aid supplies and other issues. civilians in the Gaza Strip. He made a similar proposal in February, but was rejected by Hamas and the Palestinian Authority.
Reuters reported that General Charles Q. Brown, Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, on June 23 warned that Israel's plan to attack Lebanon could cause the conflict to spread, drawing in Iran and armed groups pro-Tehran. family. He noted that Hezbollah forces have far greater potential than Hamas and possess many types of weapons. If there is an all-out war, Tel Aviv will have to strain on two fronts - Gaza in the south and Lebanon in the north.
According to General Brown, based on the locations where US troops are stationed and the close distance between Israel and Lebanon, it will be difficult for the US to protect Israel against attacks by Hezbollah, like how Washington supported Tel Aviv to intercept the attack. Iran's major strike in April.
Speaking on June 23, Prime Minister Netanyahu affirmed that Israel wants to find a diplomatic solution in the conflict with Hezbollah, but also stated that Tel Aviv is ready to fight on many fronts at the same time if it has to use force. Mr. Netanyahu is confident that Israel is capable of dealing with attacks on energy infrastructure, using "unique" protection measures, although he did not give further details.
On the same day, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant left for Washington DC (USA) to discuss the next phase of the Gaza campaign and the escalating tension with Hezbollah. Mr. Gallant said that during his time in the US there will be many meetings "important to the war".
Source: Thanh Nien Newspaper