Conflict in Gaza Could Be Coming to An End

The conflict in Gaza could be coming to an end as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's military shifts its focus to Lebanon-based Hezbollah.

During his first interview with Israeli media since Hamas's attack on October 7, the prime minister stated that Israeli forces are winding down combat operations in Gaza. The fighting in the southern city of Rafah, which is the last major stronghold of Hamas, is expected to end "very soon."

The military now needs to redeploy some forces to the north of the country, where there has been an increase in cross-border exchanges with Hezbollah.

The US and France are taking the lead in diplomatic efforts to prevent an all-out war between Israel and the Iran-backed militant group, which is significantly stronger than Hamas. The highest-ranking US military officer has warned Israel that engaging with Hezbollah would prompt Iran to retaliate in a manner it did not with Hamas.

However, Israel continues to emphasize that Hezbollah poses too great a threat to ignore. It is seeking a commitment of US support in case a full-blown conflict erupts. Israel's Defense Minister, Yoav Gallant, is scheduled to meet with Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Washington today to discuss this matter.

Israel-Hezbollah tensions are raising the risk of a two-front war, with Israel stating that time is running out for a diplomatic solution.

Thousands of Israelis have been forced to evacuate their homes in northern Israel due to the clashes with Hezbollah. A similar number of Lebanese have also been affected on their side of the border. In Israel, both politicians and the public are calling on the government to take action to ensure the safe return of residents to their towns and villages.

These are just a few of the reasons why Netanyahu is facing increasing criticism. On Saturday, tens of thousands of Israelis took to the streets of Tel Aviv, demanding new elections and the release of hostages held by Hamas.