Israeli PM Netanyahu (File photo)
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that Israel's military has significantly altered the situation since the
Hamas attack
on October 7 last year. Netanyahu, addressing troops, expressed confidence in Israel's victory in ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon while preparing to target Iran.
Netanyahu visited the Lebanon border and praised the military's efforts.
Sharing the details of his visit on social media, Netanyahu said," I told them: You are the heroes of glory. You - together with your friends, the
IDF soldiers
and the security forces in Gaza, in the Yosh, in the entire area - you create wonders, you are lions."
"A year ago, we suffered a terrible blow. Over the past 12 months, we have completely transformed reality," Netanyahu added to his statement. "The whole world admires the blows you are delivering to our enemies, and I salute you. Together, we will fight, and together we will win -- with God's help."
In recent weeks, Israel has intensified military actions against
Hezbollah
in Lebanon, an Iran-backed group that has been launching rockets in support of Hamas for nearly a year. One of their most significant hit led to the death of Hezbollah chief
Hassan Nasrallah
in an airstrike.
In Gaza, the Israeli military on Sunday reported encircling the northern Jabaliya area due to signs that Hamas was reorganising despite a year of airstrikes and conflict, as reported by AFP. Israeli air strikes in the area reportedly killed 17 people, including nine children, on Sunday.
Last October, Netanyahu had declared a commitment to "crush... and destroy" Hamas. However, Israeli troops have returned to several Gaza areas previously targeted, encountering regrouped militants.
In an another violent incident on Sunday in Israel, a suspected terrorist attack in southern Israel's Beersheba led to the death of a border policewoman and injuries to at least 10 others.
Meanwhile, as the tensions continue to escalate in Lebanon and Israel, Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati urged the international community to pressure Israel for a ceasefire as strikes hit Hezbollah strongholds in southern Beirut, causing significant destruction, including civilian areas. Hezbollah retaliated with drone attacks on Israeli military targets.
Israel’s military operations have focused on Hezbollah fighters and infrastructure, while the group continues to suffer losses in Lebanon, with more than 1,100 Hezbollah members killed since September. The conflict is further complicated by Iran’s involvement, as Tehran warns of retaliation against Israel for strikes on militant leaders, including Hezbollah's chief, Hassan Nasrallah.
The humanitarian crisis is deepening, with thousands displaced across Lebanon due to the strikes, and several countries evacuating their nationals. Meanwhile, in Gaza, Israel's retaliatory strikes have caused significant civilian casualties, as over 41,870 people have died since the beginning of the offensive, according to UN-backed reports.
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