Israel expands war goals to include return of residents near border with Lebanon

Statement from Benjamin Netanyahu comes after defence minister says the possibility for an agreement with Hezbollah was running out'

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Israel will expand its war goals to include the return of northern residents who were evacuated due to attacks by Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon, according to prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The decision was approved during an overnight meeting of the security cabinet, Netanyahu's office said. Israeli forces have exchanged near-daily strikes with Hezbollah since Hamas's 7 October attack sparked the war in the Gaza.