Report by Amal Shehadeh, English adaptation by Yasmine Jaroudi
Israel is still cautious about the northern front.
Israeli forces recently conducted military exercises simulating a sudden war with Lebanon, reflecting lessons from the fighting in Gaza.
As the administration threatens that diplomatic efforts will end, security experts caution that the Israeli army is not yet trained against a two-front war, emphasizing the need to exhaust all efforts to prevent a conflict with Lebanon.
The military is actively strategizing its approach to the northern region, particularly after 12 towns in the area were placed on high alert in the last few hours due to drone infiltrations from the Lebanese border, including an incident near the shores of Haifa.
Despite marathon discussions on a prisoner exchange deal and the war strategy in Gaza, the Israeli War Cabinet has yet to make a definitive decision, awaiting mediation talks led by Qatar and Egypt in Cairo.
Two options remain on the table for the Israeli Cabinet regarding Gaza: a large-scale military operation in Rafah, opposed by Washington and Cairo, or a withdrawal of military units from the Strip.
Regarding the prisoner exchange, Israel is considering various proposals, including exiling Yahya Sinwar and Mohammed Deif from the deal's initial phase.
However, indications suggest Tel Aviv may reject any deal with Hamas.
As the situation unfolds, the Israeli army continues its strategy of pressuring Hamas through intensified ground operations and tunnel raids.
Additionally, economic sanctions against Hamas are being considered in the Israel cabinet, with Defense Minister Yoav Gallant proposing the formation of a Palestinian civilian committee, excluding Hamas, to oversee humanitarian aid distribution through the Erez and Karni crossings instead of Rafah, which Hamas controls.
As debates rage within Israel, a decisive decision looms: continue the war or pursue a prisoner exchange deal.