Quotes
Iran also likely wants to mobilize proxy forces in case of a ceasefire in Lebanon between Israel and Hezbollah so it can increase threats to Israel on other fronts,
These strikes may briefly disrupt the transport of men and weapons between Iraq and Syria, but these groups have shown their ability to adapt and resume their activities quickly,
said Omar Abu Layla, director of Deir Ezzor 24, a news and research network focused on eastern Syria Iran may be moving proxies around Iraq and Syria in order to threaten Israel and may feel the need to move them more often so that they preserve operational security in case of Israeli retaliation,
These types of strikes eliminate people who are irreplaceable in other respects,
This would include those in Lebanon and Syria, particularly the latter, given how Hezbollah still needs to command its 3,000-7,500 [militants] that currently occupy the country,
We have made significant progress with getting towards a resolution,
US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters But nothing is done until it’s all done, and it’s not done right now,
he said at a briefing Monday The October 7 attack, orchestrated by Hamas and supported by Iran, saw Hezbollah join the conflict, linking its fate to the war in Gaza and the atrocities of the October 7 massacre,
the statement read in part We haven’t finalized it, but we are moving forward,
Hezbollah is here to stay, and they don’t like us … but we had 17 years of peace after the last war with them [in 2006]. The Middle East being what it is there will be something else of course but if we get another 15 years of calm, that’d be OK. It’d be enough for my kids to grow up,
There is a very direct link between the people who live on the border here, and those who live on the border in Gaza … When they were attacked [on 7 October last year] we felt we would be too. We had seen [Hezbollah elite] forces building up and we knew they were watching us,
There is massive resentment in the town. The two communities have very different views of this war.”
Yamit Malul Yanai, a commentator and lawyer from Kiryat Shmona who was interviewed in a rocket shelter during repeated alerts, said When people get back to the settlements along the border with Lebanon, after reaching the agreement with Hezbollah, they will be able to go back … knowing that they’re going to live there safe and sound.”
Avi Dichter, an Israeli minister and member of the security cabinet, told the Guardian on Sunday The residents of Kiryat Shmona don’t want to be a human shield for the rest of the country. We have to have a real deal, a real victory or we won’t go back. I don’t think we are close to the end of this war.”
We are not expecting a promise of eternal peace. I just want a quiet life to raise my kids and I know that the Lebanese people over the fence want the same … All wars end in diplomatic agreements so this will too,
But I always try to get to the shelter … I’ve got five children to support so I have to stay alive to keep my restaurant open,
I don’t want a ceasefire, because if they do it along the lines that they’ve announced, we’ll be in the same place in five years,
said 51-year-old teacher Dorit Sison It’s hard to hold on to hope, certainly after so long and as another winter is about to begin,
said Yifat Zailer, cousin of Shiri Bibas, who is held along with her husband and two young sons It was a very horrible explosion. All the windows and glasses were over me, my wife and my children. My home now is a battlefield,
Ali Nassar, 55-year-old, said ... he lived in a nearby building The IDF regrets the incident and clarifies that it is fighting in a targeted manner against the Hezbollah terror organization, and not against the Lebanese Army."
The IDF quickly apologized for that incident, saying
