Israel's multifront-war: 'What is Netanyahu's plan?'

On the anniversary of October 7 attacks, Israel responded with renewed airstrikes on Gaza, with Hamas's armed wing also saying it fired a barrage of rockets at Israel's commercial hub Tel Aviv. 

In recent weeks, Israel's attention has shifted northward toward Hezbollah, Hamas's ally in Lebanon, and it has pledged to retaliate against an Iranian missile strike.

Reflecting on the ongoing conflict in the region, CGTN Europe spoke to Yossi Mekelberg, Associate Fellow, Chatham House Middle East Programme, and asked him to share his insights on the grim anniversary of the war and its implications for the region. 

"Obviously, it's a very sad anniversary and the fact that a year later we're still in the middle of a war that has actually expanded to other fronts is troubling," the analyst remarked. "Israel, immediately after October 7, which was, of course, traumatic and an atrocity committed by Hamas, was under complete shock. It set itself the target to eliminate Hamas and bring the hostages back."

'Israel doesn't know how to end the war'

As the conflict has escalated, it has not only continued in Gaza but also shifted to new battlegrounds in the north. "Right now, the war is still going on in Gaza. There are more than a hundred hostages in the hands of Hamas and other groups in Gaza," the analyst stated. 

"I don't think that at this point Israel actually knows what it wants to achieve, how to end the war, and enter into a new phase which is political and diplomatic," he added.

Mekelberg also highlighted the increasing risks posed by the standoff between major powers in the region. 

"I think we're in one of the most dangerous moments in modern history of the Middle East when two of the major powers, Iran and Israel, are squaring up to one another," he explained. 

"As we speak, we hear from Israeli leaders, both political and military, that retaliation against Iran's attack last week is going to take place, and it's going to be painful. If such a thing does happen, it will also lead to an Iranian attack," he warned.

Israel's multi-front war

This potentially could drag the entire region into a wider conflict. 

"We are entering into a phase in which Israel is involved in a multi-front war and, for the first time, will directly encounter a conflict with Iran," warned the expert.

Criticizing the role of the international community, he emphasized the need for action. 

"I think obviously the international community failed," he asserted. "They have let the Israeli-Palestinian conflict fester for years without bringing it to an end. The responsibility lies not only with Israel and the Palestinians but also with the region, Europe, and the United States."

With ongoing violence resulting in significant civilian casualties, he expressed dismay at the absence of a ceasefire. 

"The question is not to weaken Israel to a point that it's vulnerable but to disagree with how it conducts its war, which has cost so many innocent lives, including children. This is unacceptable."

He also commented on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's leadership style. 

"Netanyahu often overreacts because he speaks to his base," he explained. "His reaction was very similar to the decision to withdraw 10 percent of military aid licenses, which is less than £42 million [$55m]. If you impose restrictions on us using weapons, we will react badly."

As the situation remains tense, Mekelberg said the important question is: "What is Netanyahu's plan to end the war in Gaza and also to bring the hostages back?"

The uncertainty leaves many in the region and beyond watching closely as events unfold.

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