Israel’s War Cabinet has revealed that an Israeli preemptive strike against Lebanon’s Hezbollah militia was called off during the early stages of the war against Hamas in Gaza. Gadi Eisenkot, a former army chief, stated that he was among those who argued against the strike during a stormy Cabinet meeting on October 11. In an interview with Israel’s Channel 12 TV, Eisenkot emphasized that such an attack would have been a “strategic mistake” and could have potentially triggered a regional war.
The decision to cancel the preemptive strike was crucial in averting a potential escalation of the conflict. A month ago, The Wall Street Journal reported that President Joe Biden played a key role in preventing the strike. Israeli warplanes were ready to launch when Biden called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and instructed him to stand down. Eisenkot’s interview shed light on the disagreements among Israeli leaders regarding the handling of the war, which was initiated by Hamas’ deadly attack on Israel on October 7.
Eisenkot highlighted the importance of the loud objections raised by him and others during the Cabinet session in calling off the strike. As opposition lawmakers who had just joined Netanyahu to lead the war, Eisenkot and former Defense Minister Benny Gantz played a crucial role in preventing what could have been a disastrous decision. Their presence in the Cabinet meeting unequivocally prevented the strike from taking place.
During the October 11 meeting, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and senior army officials were reportedly pushing for a strike against Hezbollah. Israel considers Hezbollah to be a much more formidable foe than Hamas, as they possess tens of thousands of missiles capable of reaching any target in Israel. However, both Israel and Hezbollah have engaged in cross-border strikes since the start of the Gaza war, with the intensity gradually escalating. Despite these exchanges, neither side is believed to desire an all-out war that would result in devastating consequences for both countries.
Israel and Hezbollah have a long history of enmity, with their last major conflict occurring in 2006. The 34-day war ended in a draw, leaving unresolved tensions between the two adversaries. In a recent speech, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah warned that if Israel were to initiate a war with Lebanon, his group would fight without any limits.
The decision to call off the preemptive strike against Hezbollah demonstrates the complex dynamics and strategic calculations involved in Israel’s military operations. While Israel faces multiple threats from various adversaries, it must carefully weigh the potential consequences of its actions to avoid triggering a wider regional conflict.
The revelation of the canceled strike also highlights the importance of international diplomacy in managing and de-escalating conflicts. President Biden’s intervention played a crucial role in preventing further escalation and preserving stability in the region. It underscores the significance of diplomatic channels and communication in averting potentially catastrophic outcomes.
As the conflict between Israel and Hamas continues to evolve, it is essential for all parties involved to prioritize dialogue and seek peaceful resolutions. The recent events serve as a reminder of the delicate balance required to navigate complex geopolitical challenges and prevent further bloodshed.