Netanyahu Claims Israel Has 'Completely Transformed Reality' Ahead of Gaza War Anniversary

Photo: Reuters 

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserted on Sunday that Israel would achieve victory as it confronts militant groups in both the Gaza Strip and Lebanon, all while preparing for potential strikes against Iran. This declaration comes as the country approaches the one-year anniversary of Hamas's October 7 attack, which has resulted in Israel fighting on multiple fronts.

During a visit to the Lebanese border, Netanyahu told troops, "We will win," emphasizing that Israel’s military has “completely transformed reality” in the wake of the unprecedented assault by Hamas. The Israeli army's chief, Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi, echoed this sentiment, claiming that a year after the initial attack, "we have defeated the military wing of Hamas."

Despite this assertion, Israeli forces have returned to previously cleared areas in Gaza only to discover that Hamas militants have regrouped. Netanyahu had previously vowed to "crush and destroy" Hamas, but the ongoing conflict has seen a resurgence of hostilities.

In late September, Israel shifted its focus northward, ramping up military operations against Hezbollah, the Iran-backed group that has been firing rockets into Israel from Lebanon in support of Hamas. Netanyahu described the year since the October 7 attack as a time of both suffering and transformation for Israel, stating, "A year ago, we suffered a terrible blow. Over the past 12 months, we have completely transformed reality."

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Hamas, for its part, labeled the October 7 attack as "glorious," claiming that Palestinians are "writing a new history with their resistance." The attack resulted in the deaths of 1,205 individuals, predominantly civilians, according to Israeli government figures, which also include hostages who have died while in captivity. Numerous hostages remain unaccounted for.

Commemorations have taken place to honor the victims, including a vigil in Tel Aviv for the 370 people killed at the Nova rave in the Negev desert.

The Israeli military reported that it has encircled the Jabaliya area in northern Gaza, where they believe Hamas is rebuilding its capabilities despite a year of airstrikes and fighting. On Sunday, airstrikes in the area resulted in the deaths of 17 individuals, including nine children.

Overall, Israel's military actions in Gaza have reportedly killed at least 41,870 people, with the majority being civilians, according to figures from the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza, which have been deemed reliable by the United Nations. Most of Gaza's population has been displaced, and extensive destruction has occurred to housing and infrastructure.

Despite the escalating conflict and the heightened tensions in Lebanon, Netanyahu communicated to French President Emmanuel Macron that Israel's military actions would ultimately foster "stability, security, and peace in the entire region." In contrast, Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati urged the international community to push for a ceasefire, emphasizing the need for immediate action.

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris also stated that Washington would continue to pressure Israel and Arab leaders to agree on a truce in Gaza. Leaders from Jordan and the United Arab Emirates have called for intensified international efforts to halt both wars, while Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani warned that the ongoing fighting could plunge the region into extended conflicts.

Efforts to negotiate a truce and a deal for the release of hostages in Gaza have failed, with critics accusing Netanyahu of obstructing these diplomatic efforts. Israel remains on high alert ahead of the October 7 anniversary, with military officials warning of potential attacks on the home front.

In a separate incident, a border policewoman was killed, and ten others injured at a bus station in Beersheba, which authorities are treating as a suspected terrorist attack.

On the Lebanese front, Israeli media reported that Israeli forces conducted strikes on Hezbollah's stronghold in southern Beirut, targeting weapons storage facilities and military infrastructure. Despite claims of efforts to minimize civilian harm, reports indicate that Israeli strikes on Sunday killed six people and injured 13 in the village of Keyfoun, located about 12 miles from Beirut.

Hezbollah responded by launching attack drones toward an Israeli military base near Haifa and targeted a second base with rockets. The Israeli military confirmed that rockets fired from northern Gaza crossed into Israel, with some being intercepted while others landed in open areas.

United Nations peacekeepers have accused the Israeli military of compromising their safety by operating near their positions in southern Lebanon, rejecting an Israeli request to relocate some of their peacekeeping forces.

As Israel continues its ground operations in Lebanon, it aims to enable tens of thousands of Israelis displaced by Hezbollah's rocket fire to return home. Tensions escalated further as Iran launched around 200 missiles at Israel in retaliation for Israeli actions against militant leaders, including Hezbollah's chief Hassan Nasrallah.

Despite claims that most of the missiles were intercepted by Israel's advanced air defense systems, Iranian sources indicated that Tehran is prepared to respond to any potential Israeli attacks. Flights at some Iranian airports were suspended, citing "operational restrictions."

In Lebanon, over 1,110 people have been killed since September 23 due to Israeli strikes, according to official figures. The Lebanese education director reported that approximately 40% of the country's 1.25 million schoolchildren have been displaced.

Countries have begun evacuating their nationals from Lebanon as the situation deteriorates. In Gaza, a recent strike on a mosque-turned-shelter in Deir el-Balah resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals, with Israel maintaining that it targeted Hamas militants.

As the anniversary of the October 7 attack approaches, tens of thousands of protesters around the world have rallied for a ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon, reflecting widespread calls for an end to the violence.

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