Israeli man whose parents were killed on Oct. 7 calls for peace: "We must break this pattern of violence"
CBSDec 30, 2023
Israel Says It's Fighting a 'Multi-Front' War
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Image copyright: Alexi J. Rosenfeld/Getty Images News [via Getty Images]
The Facts
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said his country is in a "multi-front war" in "Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Judea and Samaria (West Bank), Iraq, Yemen, and Iran," adding that they've "already responded and taken action in six of these theatres." This followed an Israeli airstrike on Monday in Damascus, Syria. Iran-backed groups in Yemen, Lebanon, Syria, and Iraq have also launched attacks against Israel and the US.
Also on Monday, the Iran-backed Kataib Hezbollah group in Iraq claimed responsibility for a drone strike that injured three US troops. In response, the US launched airstrikes on three facilities used by the militant group, estimating it killed several militants. While the US said no civilians were "affected," the Iraqi government said one "serviceman" was killed and 18 others, including civilians, were injured.
The Spin
Pro-Israel narrative
Palestine can no longer be ruled by the current Palestinian Authority (PA), let alone Hamas. If the world wants peace in the region, Palestine must be demilitarized and brought under a legitimate governing body. This will first require a complete dismantling of Hamas, followed by security mechanisms between Israel and neighboring countries like Egypt to ensure weapons are no longer smuggled into Gaza.
Pro-Palestine narrative
If Netanyahu wants to free Palestine from the grips of both Hamas and the PA, he's doing a terrible job. As the Muslim world watches live coverage of Israel bombing Gaza — with 70% of deaths being women and children — public support for the PA has plummeted and been replaced by rising support for Hamas. Israel is not only firing weapons but using starvation as a military tactic. This war, whenever it ends, won't lead to global support for Israel.
