Netanyahu says returning residents to northern Israel now a war goal

Israel on Tuesday expanded its stated war goals in Gaza to include enabling residents to return to communities in northern Israel that were evacuated due to attacks by Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon.

The decision was approved during an overnight meeting of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's security cabinet, according to a statement from Netanyahu's office.

Hamas' Oct. 7 assault on southern Israel triggered the war in Gaza. Hezbollah opened a second front against Israel the following day, and fighting along the Israel-Lebanon border has since escalated, raising fears of a broader regional conflict.

Tens of thousands of Israelis were evacuated from towns along the northern frontier, which have been heavily damaged by rocket fire, and they have yet to return.

Israel's defense minister said Monday, "The possibility for an agreement is running out as Hezbollah continues to tie itself to Hamas and refuses to end the conflict. Therefore, the only remaining way to ensure the return of northern Israeli communities to their homes will be through military action."

Reuters