Tensions Shift Northward: Israeli Forces Poised at Lebanon Border

Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant announced that Israeli forces are close to completing their mission in Gaza and will soon focus on the northern border with Lebanon. Daily exchanges of fire with Hezbollah continue, with leaders expressing the desire for a peaceful resolution but preparing for all scenarios.

Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant stated on Tuesday that the nation's forces are near to fulfilling their mission in Gaza. The focus is now shifting to the northern border with Lebanon amid daily exchanges of fire with Hezbollah.

"The centre of gravity is moving northward, we are near to completing our tasks in the south, but our mission here is not yet done," Gallant told troops at the northern border during a ground combat drill, according to a video released by his office.

Gallant's comments came after Israel's ground invasion of the Gaza Strip, which started three weeks following the Oct. 7 Hamas attack. Hezbollah has been firing rockets into Israel since Oct. 8, displacing tens of thousands on both sides of the border. Israeli leaders prefer a peaceful solution to push Iran-backed Hezbollah away from the border but are preparing for all scenarios, Gallant emphasized to journalists.

On Tuesday, the Israeli military announced the killing of a commander in Hezbollah's elite Radwan force. Hezbollah confirmed his death and retaliated by firing rockets at Israeli army targets across the border.

(With inputs from agencies.)