For the first time since the outbreak of the new wave of violence in southern Lebanon, an Israeli military official revealed today, Tuesday, a new development in the ongoing conflict with Hezbollah, stating: "We have succeeded in eliminating the threat of Hezbollah invading large areas of the Galilee." He added, "Hezbollah's military capabilities on the border are modest and not like they were before October 7." The Israeli official noted that "the assassination of Hezbollah officials causes confusion and direct damage to them." He continued, "Hezbollah has been forced to withdraw its forces 8 kilometers into Lebanese territory." The Israeli official indicated that "the battle on the northern front is often defensive."
**Border Conflict**
For its part, Israel views Lebanon as one of its neighbors with whom it deals based on various conditions and demands, which typically include:
- **Border Security:** Israel seeks to maintain the security of its borders with Lebanon and prevent any attacks or threats from the Lebanese side, whether from Hezbollah or other parties.
- **Activation of Resolution 1701:** UN Security Council Resolution 1701 calls for a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah following the 2006 war, and also includes points related to Lebanese sovereignty and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory and the disarmament of unauthorized weapons.
- **Preventing Terrorist Infiltration:** Israel aims to prevent the infiltration of armed militants and terrorists across the border from Lebanon into Israel, holding Lebanese authorities responsible for preventing any military activity against Israel from their territory.
- **Non-Support for Hezbollah:** Israel demands that Lebanon not support, finance, or arm Hezbollah, which it considers a terrorist organization and a threat to its security.
- **Economic and Humanitarian Cooperation:** Despite conflicts, there are attempts to cooperate in economic and humanitarian areas, such as providing medical assistance or support to civilians in Lebanon.
These conditions and demands reflect Israel's fundamental attitudes toward Lebanon and remain subjects of negotiation and debate within the framework of international relations and security challenges in the region.
