Israeli Defense Chief Says Time 'Running Out' for Deal with Hezbollah
Israel’s defense chief has issued a warning that additional “military action” is necessary against Hezbollah in Lebanon. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has asserted that additional military measures against Hezbollah are required to ensure the safety of Israelis in northern regions near Lebanon and allow for the return of displaced residents.
In a dialogue with US envoy Amos Hochstein in Tel Aviv on Monday, Gallant emphasized that opportunities for diplomatic resolution with the Lebanon-based militants were diminishing.
“Hezbollah continues to tie itself to Hamas,” Gallant stated on X. “Therefore, the only way left to ensure the return of Israel’s northern communities to their homes, will be through military action.”
Moreover, during a conversation with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, Gallant reiterated the urgency of the situation, noting that time was “running out” for reaching an agreement with Hezbollah.
The escalation has resulted in the displacement of over 60,000 Israelis due to Hezbollah's aggressive tactics of launching rockets and mortars from Lebanon in solidarity with Hamas in Gaza. In retaliation, the Israel Defense Forces have executed strikes on targets within Lebanon, eliminating key Hezbollah figures, including Fuad Shukr who was taken out in a Beirut airstrike in late July.
Past statements by Israeli officials, including Gallant, have hinted at the possibility of a severe military strike on Lebanon, which has fueled concerns of a potential expansive conflict. Such actions have prompted threats from Iran of an "obliterating war" should Israel proceed with an invasion.
The United States has advised against extending military operations against Hezbollah, worried about igniting a broader regional conflict.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken, working on mediating a peace deal between Israel and Hamas, expressed in July that the US is "determined" to prevent escalation into a larger conflict.
On the matter of diplomatic versus military solutions, Hochstein, during his discussions with Gallant, expressed a preference for diplomacy and cautioned that a military offense might not facilitate the return of refugees, as per a Times of Israel report which cited an informed source.
Last week, senior Hezbollah official Naim Qassem issued a severe caution that a full-scale war would result in “large losses on both sides” and lead to more displacement.
Camille Lefevre for TROIB News
In a dialogue with US envoy Amos Hochstein in Tel Aviv on Monday, Gallant emphasized that opportunities for diplomatic resolution with the Lebanon-based militants were diminishing.
“Hezbollah continues to tie itself to Hamas,” Gallant stated on X. “Therefore, the only way left to ensure the return of Israel’s northern communities to their homes, will be through military action.”
Moreover, during a conversation with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, Gallant reiterated the urgency of the situation, noting that time was “running out” for reaching an agreement with Hezbollah.
The escalation has resulted in the displacement of over 60,000 Israelis due to Hezbollah's aggressive tactics of launching rockets and mortars from Lebanon in solidarity with Hamas in Gaza. In retaliation, the Israel Defense Forces have executed strikes on targets within Lebanon, eliminating key Hezbollah figures, including Fuad Shukr who was taken out in a Beirut airstrike in late July.
Past statements by Israeli officials, including Gallant, have hinted at the possibility of a severe military strike on Lebanon, which has fueled concerns of a potential expansive conflict. Such actions have prompted threats from Iran of an "obliterating war" should Israel proceed with an invasion.
The United States has advised against extending military operations against Hezbollah, worried about igniting a broader regional conflict.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken, working on mediating a peace deal between Israel and Hamas, expressed in July that the US is "determined" to prevent escalation into a larger conflict.
On the matter of diplomatic versus military solutions, Hochstein, during his discussions with Gallant, expressed a preference for diplomacy and cautioned that a military offense might not facilitate the return of refugees, as per a Times of Israel report which cited an informed source.
Last week, senior Hezbollah official Naim Qassem issued a severe caution that a full-scale war would result in “large losses on both sides” and lead to more displacement.
Camille Lefevre for TROIB News
