On Monday, Herzi Halevi, the Chief of Staff of the Israeli military, stated that Israel must prepare for large-scale military operations in the occupied West Bank and continued hostilities in Gaza and Lebanon, despite the ongoing ceasefire agreements. Halevi emphasized the need for Israel to remain vigilant, particularly in the West Bank, where he anticipated “major” operations in the coming days. These operations are aimed at preemptively striking terrorists to prevent attacks on Israeli citizens. This announcement came alongside ongoing defensive preparations in Gaza, which are focused on securing the region from potential threats.
According to an army spokesperson, Halevi also directed the military to develop strategies for continuing the fighting in Gaza and Lebanon. This directive followed an attack in the northern West Bank, where an explosive device detonated near an Israeli military convoy, killing one soldier and injuring four others. The attack took place overnight in the town of Tamun, a known flashpoint in the region. Halevi’s statement highlights the military’s focus on both offensive and defensive operations to counter growing threats.
Earlier in January, another violent attack occurred in Tel Aviv, where a young Palestinian from the West Bank city of Tulkarem carried out a stabbing attack, killing one Israeli and injuring four others. Israeli forces responded swiftly, killing the attacker shortly after the assault. This incident was one of many that have escalated tensions between Israel and Palestinian groups in recent months. In the West Bank, Israeli airstrikes last week targeted the Jenin refugee camp, resulting in the deaths of over a dozen Palestinians.
These airstrikes were part of a broader military operation in which the Palestinian Authority (PA) had played a role, launching a violent campaign against resistance fighters in the area for about six weeks.
Despite the ongoing violence, the PA recently reached an agreement with the resistance in Jenin to end the siege imposed on the area. Meanwhile, in Gaza, despite a ceasefire agreement and efforts to facilitate an exchange of prisoners, Israeli forces were involved in a shooting incident in the southern city of Rafah, injuring several people, including a child. This event highlights the fragility of the ceasefire, with both sides continuing to accuse each other of violations.
Israel eager to violate the ceasefire!
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made it clear in a recent speech that the ceasefire is temporary, warning that Israel would resume military operations if necessary. His statement reflected the growing uncertainty surrounding the truce, as Israel faces increasing pressure from various factions to escalate or continue the conflict. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who had opposed the ceasefire, echoed this sentiment, claiming that Israel would soon return to war and initiate a “gradual takeover” of the Gaza Strip. This suggests that despite the ceasefire, Israel remains committed to achieving its long-term strategic objectives in the region.
In Lebanon, the situation is also tense, as Israeli forces have continued to violate the ceasefire that took effect in November last year. Israel has been accused of obstructing the work of the Lebanese army, blocking roads in southern Lebanon, and destroying vital infrastructure. These actions undermine the ceasefire, which is supposed to be based on UN Resolution 1701, and hinder efforts to implement its terms. The resolution calls for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon and the dismantling of Hezbollah’s military presence south of the Litani River.
As the 60-day deadline for implementing the ceasefire in Lebanon approaches, Hezbollah has warned that it will take action if Israel fails to withdraw by the end of the period. Hezbollah’s commitment to resisting Israeli actions in Lebanon has been unwavering, especially as Israel has already violated the ceasefire more than 1,000 times. Halevi’s recent comments signal that Israel is not backing down from its military objectives, despite the potential for continued conflict in both Gaza and Lebanon.
