TEL AVIV — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that recent Israeli military operations have significantly diminished Hezbollah’s missile and rocket capabilities and disrupted their tunnel systems near the Israeli border.
According to Namibia Press Agency, Netanyahu, in a video address on Saturday, stated that while the threat from Hezbollah is not completely eradicated, these actions have altered the dynamics of the ongoing conflict. He recounted that these military efforts began as operations against Hamas in Gaza were winding down. “We began fulfilling the promise I made to the residents of northern Israel,” Netanyahu explained, referring to the strategic military operations.
In his address, Netanyahu also responded to French President Emmanuel Macron’s recent comments on prioritizing a political resolution and halting arms supplies to Israel for its Gaza operations. Netanyahu criticized Macron and other leaders who suggest arms embargoes on Israel, asserting, “Israel will prevail with or without their support, but their shame will persist long after the war is won.”
This declaration comes amid an escalation of Israeli airstrikes against Hezbollah in Lebanon since September 23, which have inflicted heavy civilian casualties and displaced numerous residents. These strikes have also eliminated several key Hezbollah figures, including the group’s secretary-general, Hassan Nasrallah. Israel has described its military actions in Lebanon as a “limited” ground operation.
The ongoing conflict, which intensified on October 8, 2023, began when Hezbollah launched rockets into Israel supporting Hamas in Gaza, leading to retaliatory strikes by Israel in southeastern Lebanon.