Netanyahu hints shift of focus to Lebanese border

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicated that the current intense phase of the war against Hamas in Gaza is nearing its end, hinting at shifting Israel’s military focus to the Lebanese border. The war will continue after this phase to ‘mow the grass,’ a metaphor Netanyahu used, the precise meaning of which remains unclear. Since Hamas’s attacks began last October, almost 37,600 have been killed by Israeli actions in Gaza as per local health authorities controlled by Hamas. Netanyahu is also open to a partial deal with Hamas for the return of Israeli hostages but insists on continuing efforts to eliminate Hamas. Tensions have escalated with near-daily exchanges of fire across the Israeli-Lebanese border as Hezbollah increased attacks following Israel’s killing of one of their commanders. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has expressed grave concern, warning against Lebanon becoming ‘a new Gaza’.