Tue Sep 17 06:17:52 UTC 2024: ## Israel Makes Safe Return of Northern Residents a War Goal
**JERUSALEM** – In a significant escalation of the ongoing conflict, Israel has officially declared the safe return of residents from the north of the country as a war goal, according to a statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office.
This decision, taken by the Security Cabinet late Monday, follows the evacuation of approximately 60,000 people from northern Israel due to near-daily attacks by Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon. The cross-border fighting intensified on October 8th, a day after the Hamas attack on Israel, when Hezbollah fired at Israeli positions in solidarity with Palestinians.
“The Security Cabinet has updated the objectives of the war to include the following: Returning the residents of the north securely to their homes,” the statement said, adding that Israel will continue to act to achieve this objective.
Earlier on Monday, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant had stated that military action was the only way to ensure the return of residents. This comes amid growing speculation that Netanyahu may replace Gallant due to differences over the war in Gaza.
The US has expressed concern over the escalating conflict. US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin has called for a ceasefire and hostage deal, emphasizing the devastating consequences of further escalation for the people of Israel, Lebanon, and the wider region.
Hezbollah, the powerful Lebanese group, has not publicly commented on the Israeli decision to make the return of residents a war goal. The latest move represents an expansion of Israel’s previously stated war objectives, which focused on destroying Hamas in response to the group’s attack on October 7th.
The conflict has claimed the lives of over 41,220 people in Gaza and approximately 1,200 in Israel. Thousands have been injured in both territories, and the escalating hostilities have raised fears of an all-out war.
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