Israel: Israel’s Defense Minister, under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, has issued a warning that the “center of gravity” of the ongoing Middle East conflict is shifting northward, signaling a potential escalation in the region. This marks Israel’s first official response following a series of blasts in Lebanon involving pagers and walkie-talkies over the past two days.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the nation with a brief video statement, reassuring that tens of thousands of residents displaced from Israel’s northern border with Lebanon would “return to their homes.” The announcement comes amidst growing tensions involving Lebanon’s Hezbollah, which has been supporting Hamas in the Gaza conflict since it began in October 2023.
Hezbollah, a militant group based in Lebanon, has been engaged in regular exchanges of fire with Israel’s armed forces for several months. Tensions have significantly increased following the recent explosions in Lebanon, which resulted in the deaths of twelve people and injuries to nearly 3,000, primarily affecting individuals associated with Hezbollah. Hezbollah has accused Israel of carrying out what it describes as their “biggest-ever” security breach. However, Netanyahu refrained from directly addressing the explosions in his statement.
In a dramatic turn of events, less than 24 hours after the initial pager explosions, hand-held walkie-talkies also detonated, resulting in nine more deaths and over 300 injuries. These incidents have further fueled concerns about escalating violence and the possibility of opening a new front in the conflict.
Netanyahu emphasized the government’s commitment to restoring security in the north, stating, “We will return the citizens of the north to their homes in security, and that’s exactly what we are going to do.” Echoing this sentiment, Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant confirmed that additional forces are being deployed to the northern border. Gallant indicated that the war has “moved into a new phase,” with an increased focus on the northern front.
“The ‘center of gravity’ is moving north, meaning that we are allocating forces, resources, and energy for the northern arena,” Gallant stated in remarks released by his office. This development signifies a shift in Israel’s strategic focus amidst the ongoing conflict.
The Gaza Strip, situated on Israel’s southwestern front, has been a focal point of the conflict. However, Lebanon’s northern border with Israel is now becoming increasingly central to the unfolding situation, raising concerns about a broader regional escalation.
