By outdoor-nature-child.com Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar was killed by Israeli forces in the Gaza Strip on October 17. This marks a significant victory for Israel, as Sinwar was seen as a key architect behind last year’s October 7 attack. However, despite this achievement, Israel shows no intention of calling for a ceasefire. Sources indicate that Israel is seizing this opportunity to continue its offensive, aiming to gain a strategic advantage in the region, establish a buffer zone, and ensure border security ahead of the next U.S. presidential administration.
As the U.S. presidential election approaches, reports suggest that Israel is intensifying its attacks on Hamas and Hezbollah. The goal is to solidify its border security and create irreversible realities before the inauguration of the next president.
According to Western diplomats, Lebanese, and Israeli officials, Israel plans to strengthen military operations against these armed groups to prevent them from regrouping and posing threats to Israeli citizens.
Former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs David Schenker noted that the geopolitical landscape in the region has changed dramatically. Israel is not willing to tolerate any threats anymore, and the situation is fundamentally different now. The country is currently fighting on multiple fronts, first against Hamas, then Hezbollah, and soon, Iran is expected to be targeted as well.
It is anticipated that U.S. President Biden may use Sinwar’s death as leverage to pressure Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu into ending the war in Gaza. However, Netanyahu appears intent on dragging the conflict out until Biden exits office, waiting to see the stance of the next American president.
Before considering any ceasefire agreement, Israel is accelerating its military operations along the northern border with Lebanon, aiming to drive Hezbollah away from its borders while also advancing into the Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza. Meanwhile, the Palestinian authorities and U.N. agencies are concerned that Israel may be trying to isolate northern Gaza from the rest of the region, effectively blocking any Hamas activities in that area. Additionally, Israel is contemplating a response to Iran’s missile attack on October 1, marking the second direct assault by Iran against Israel in six months.