Netanyahu appeared shortly thereafter, affirming that Israel was in a state of war. The Israeli security apparatus appeared taken by surprise, sending out no warning. Palestinians in Gaza protested along the Israeli security fence. It may also have wanted to make its move against the background of external powers being preoccupied with the war in Ukraine. From its side, Hizbollah may encourage Palestinian groups in Lebanon to enter the fray, opening a second front for Israel in the north, as occurred during the 2021 Gaza war and again in April, when tensions were running high around al-Aqsa.
