Israel's Expanded War Goals Amid Tensions with Hezbollah

By G. Mudalige, Jadetimes Staff

G. Mudalige is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Technology & Innovation

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Image Source : Reuters

Israel has made it a priority to ensure the safe return of residents to the northern region, which has faced frequent attacks by Hezbollah from Lebanon. Approximately 60,000 people have been evacuated due to the escalating cross-border conflict that intensified after the Hamas attack from Gaza on October 7, 2023. The Israeli Security Cabinet has updated its war objectives to include this goal. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant mentioned that military action might be necessary to facilitate the safe return of these communities.

The conflict in the north has been a part of Israel's broader strategic goals, which previously included the elimination of Hamas and its military capabilities, the return of hostages taken during the October 7 attack, and ensuring that the Gaza Strip no longer poses a threat. With the addition of securing the northern border, the Israeli government is signaling a possible military approach to push Hezbollah away from the border. However, this decision comes amid tensions within the Israeli government, as speculation grows over potential changes in key positions, including Gallant’s.

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has cautioned against further escalation, emphasizing the need for diplomatic efforts to avoid a more devastating regional conflict. Despite these warnings, Israel remains committed to its strategy, signaling a readiness for potential military operations against Hezbollah. This marks an expansion of Israel's war goals, underlining the complexity and the multi-front nature of the ongoing conflict, which has already resulted in significant casualties on both sides.

Worcester Attorney Receives High Measure in Council Interview

Wanjiru Waweru, Jadetimes Staff

W.Waweru is a Jadetimes news reporter covering America News

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Image Source : Telegram & Gazette

Governor Laura Healey’s newest selection for the Superior Court bench where Worcester Attorney received praise from the Governor’s Council on Wednesday, September 18, for her career as a public defense in Central Massachusetts.

Sarah Hamilton whose Healey was nominated in August, has participated in her law career with the Committee for Public Council Services, a lead as a staff lawyer in Worcester, and Fall River, and later as a senior trial counsel for the Western Region.

A duplex graduate of Northeastern University, Hamilton reported to councilors she became the first college graduate in her family and recollected the impression evacuated on her by one Northeastern professor — Former Governor Michael Dukakis.

"When I spoke with him about law school, he pushed me to pursue a career in public interest law," said Hamilton. "And he's the person who first told me what a public defender was, and explained that I could have a legal career devoted to public service where I helped real people with real problems."

Image Source : Dave Thompson, via MassLive

Worcester attorney Maura Tansley, a collaborator at Tansley Halloran, and Worcester County prosecutor expressed their voice for the endorsement for Healey’s selection.

"It's great to see a public defender elevated to the bench, especially one who has support from the district attorney's office," Worcester Councilor Paul DePalo reported. "And we've been waiting for a woman on Superior Court in Worcester for quite some time, so that's an added bonus of this nominee."

Hamilton raised an eyebrow about her age.

"First of all, you're 42," reported Councilor Marilyn Petitto Devaney. "OK, almost 30 years you'll be on the bench. How are you going to keep yourself up to par, and up with everything?"

Hamilton expressed enlargement in case law, enlargement in science and technology, and possibilities in the law careers including guidance can all endorse her "stay engaged."

"Serving the public has been a priority of my professional life. For me, being an associate justice of the Superior Court will be the ultimate act of public service to the Commonwealth and to my community in Worcester in particular," said Hamilton. 

Israel Conducts Major Air Strikes on Hezbollah Targets in Lebanon

By G. Mudalige, Jadetimes Staff

G. Mudalige is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Technology & Innovation

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Image Source : Reuters

Israel has launched extensive air strikes on southern Lebanon, targeting more than 100 Hezbollah rocket launchers and other sites, including a weapons storage facility. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) reported the launchers were prepared for attacks against Israel, though no casualties were confirmed. This marks one of the most intense escalations since cross-border clashes began in October 2023 following Hezbollah's involvement in solidarity with Hamas during the Gaza conflict.

The airstrikes, conducted over two hours, were met with Hezbollah's retaliation targeting military sites in northern Israel, further intensifying the hostilities. Israel's defense minister, Yoav Gallant, described this as a "new phase of the war," with Israel focusing more efforts on the northern front. The IDF urged residents in northern Israel to remain close to shelters and avoid large gatherings as tensions continued to rise.

Hezbollah's leader, Hassan Nasrallah, condemned the attacks, calling them a breach of red lines and likening them to a declaration of war. He referred to recent explosions across Lebanon, which killed dozens and injured thousands, accusing Israel of committing war crimes. Israel has not confirmed involvement in these attacks, but Nasrallah's defiant tone indicated that Hezbollah would continue its cross-border strikes unless there was a ceasefire in Gaza.

Meanwhile, IDF Chief of Staff Lt Gen Herzi Halevi approved plans for intensified military operations in northern Israel. The possibility of creating an Israeli-controlled buffer zone in southern Lebanon was also discussed, aiming to safeguard Israel's northern communities. However, questions remain about how this goal would be achieved amid escalating conflict.

International efforts to de-escalate the situation are underway, with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy calling for restraint. Lammy emphasized the need for a ceasefire to ensure the safe return of residents on both sides of the border, underscoring the urgent need for a political resolution to the ongoing conflict.