Israeli Officials: We Achieved Our Goal Without Engaging with Hezbollah

Israeli Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi affirmed the army's readiness to provide security for Israeli citizens, noting that "this is a complex period." He emphasized the continued "use of force as necessary against any enemy and in any arena." Axios reported, citing Israeli officials, that "Mossad Chief Yossi Cohen supported striking Hezbollah targets, but Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi requested to keep the group out of the equation." They indicated that "we achieved the goal of avoiding conflict with Hezbollah and preventing the unification of Hamas fronts in the north and south." They stated that "the discussions among Israeli ministers concluded that Israel has no interest in being dragged into a regional conflict." The Israeli Broadcasting Authority reported that Israeli officials said, "Attacks in Gaza and Lebanon are over, provided there are no new assaults."