Israeli forces to deploy to Lebanon border as Gaza operation slows

By Nathan Morley

Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said the intense phase of fighting Hamas in Gaza is drawing to a close.

In a local interview on Israeli Channel 14 TV, he said he expected the ground operation in Rafah –the last major offensive of the war - to be completed soon but did not give a date. 

However, he stressed it didn’t mean the war was about to end, with action continuing until Hamas was ‘completely driven from power.’or

Military activity on Lebanon border

Regarding the increasing activity on the Lebanon-Israel border, he said his forces could fight on several fronts and were prepared to do so.

Hezbollah has been firing, rockets and drones into Israel since October last year.

Netanyahu added he was ready for a partial deal that would secure the release of the remaining Israeli captives still held in Gaza.

Meanwhile, on the ground, Israel's army announced on Monday that it killed a senior Hamas weapons expert in the Gaza Strip, and it was continuing its assault in Rafah city.

The military said that a fighter plane targeted Muhammad Salah, a man in charge of procuring, developing and delivering weapons for Hamas

Israel has been carrying massive offensive in the Gaza Strip in reprisal for a Hamas rampage last year, during which about 1,200 people were killed and 250 were kidnapped.