The possibility of a diplomatic solution to the conflict between Israel and the Lebanese Hezbollah militia in Israel’s northern border region is diminishing, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said in a statement issued Monday.
Following an overnight telephone conversation between Gallant and his American counterpart Lloyd Austin, Gallant’s office reported that the secretary told Austin that “the direction is clear” regarding the possibility of a broader conflict in the region.
“The opportunity for an agreed framework in the northern theater is running out because Hezbollah continues to ally itself with Hamas,” Gallant told Austin.
According to media reports, US mediator Amos Hochstein, who has been pushing for de-escalation for months, plans to hold further talks in Israel. He is expected to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in addition to Gallant.
Since the start of the war in Gaza between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas almost a year ago, military clashes between the Israeli army and the Iran-allied Hezbollah have taken place almost daily in the border area of the two countries.
There have been casualties on both sides, most of them members of Hezbollah.
Tens of thousands have been forced to flee their homes on both sides of the border, with the mutual shelling causing significant destruction in Lebanese and Israeli cities.
Hezbollah has said it is only prepared to halt attacks if there is a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
Israel is committed to the safe return of its citizens to their homes in the north and seeks a ceasefire in the war in Gaza, Gallant said during the phone call.
However, the goal remains the destruction of Hamas and the return of the hostages, “by whatever means necessary.”
Israel demands that Hezbollah also withdraw from the border area, as stipulated in a UN resolution.