Senior Official Hints at Ground Operation in North Following Rafah

By Yoni Weiss

Despite Wednesday’s barrage on northern Israel not being perceived as a decisive factor for a potential full-scale conflict against the Hezbollah, an Israeli official has signaled the possibility of a ground operation in Lebanon for the first time.

The senior Israeli official, speaking to Yisrael Hayom, stated that after the IDF concludes its planned actions in Rafah, attention will shift to the north. “Achieving the strategic objective of returning northern residents to their homes necessitates a ground campaign. We will pursue this after Rafah, not concurrently,” the official asserted.

Former figures within the security establishment doubt the feasibility of Israeli plans, citing waning U.S. support internationally as a hindrance to significant operations in Rafah.

However, such skepticism is not echoed by Israel’s political leadership. Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and Minister Benny Gantz maintain the necessity of an operation in Rafah to neutralize remaining Hamas elements.

Originally intended to pressure Hamas into a prisoner exchange, the Rafah strategy has yielded limited results, with Hamas fortifying its positions amid perceived diminishing U.S. backing for Israel. Despite concerns over eroding American support, Israeli leaders are determined to proceed with plans.

Efforts are underway within the White House to propose alternatives to Israeli officials as a means to dissuade a full-scale operation in Rafah. However, Israel emphasizes that Stage 3 is not the culmination of efforts, with a ground campaign seen as imperative for subduing Hamas effectively.

The official stressed that military operations in Rafah cannot commence until IDF operations in Khan Yunis are completed, highlighting Israel’s commitment to its strategic goals despite international pressure.