An end to fighting in the Gaza Strip, yes, but not an end to the war: this is what Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Sunday evening, on local television.

The conflict could only end with the complete destruction of the Gaza-based militant group, Hamas, Netanyahu repeated again. But once the fighting in Gaza died down, this would mean that some Israeli troops could be sent north to the border of Israel and Lebanon.

The Israeli military and Hezbollah, a Lebanon-based group with a militia about 50,000 strong that also plays a significant political role in the country, have been exchanging fire in this area for years now. But since the October 7 attacks on Israel by Hamas, which resulted in the deaths of around 1,200 people and an ensuing Israeli military campaign that has killed almost 40,000, the skirmishes have intensified. Hezbollah sees Hamas as an ally, and both groups are supported by Iran.

Up until now, Israel and Hezbollah have been careful to avoid all-out war. Several days ago, Hezbollah released a video taken with a drone that shows various military and civilian facilities in Israel, including in the Israeli port city of Haifa. Ostensibly, the sites could become targets if a wider war breaks out.

"We are registering a gradual escalation that has increased in intensity in recent weeks," said Michael Bauer, who heads the Lebanese office of Germany's Konrad........

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