In a critical development, Israel’s Defence Minister Yoav Gallant has warned that time is running out to halt the ongoing conflict with Hezbollah, the Iran-backed Lebanese militant group. Speaking with US envoy Amos Hochstein, Gallant stressed the urgency of the situation, indicating that the chance for a negotiated resolution is fading as Hezbollah remains aligned with Hamas and continues its attacks.
The confrontation, which began following Hamas’s attack on October 7, has seen frequent cross-border skirmishes between Hezbollah and Israeli forces. Despite mediation efforts by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt, the conflict has persisted, with significant casualties and displacement on both sides.
Gallant’s comments reflect mounting pressure on Israel to take decisive military action to secure its northern border and ensure the safety of its citizens. The Defence Minister emphasized that a military solution might be the only viable option to resolve the crisis and facilitate the return of displaced Israeli communities.
The conflict has already resulted in hundreds of deaths, predominantly fighters, and significant disruption for civilians. Hezbollah’s leadership has suggested that their involvement would cease if a ceasefire in Gaza is achieved, but Israel insists on removing Hezbollah’s presence from southern Lebanon before any agreement.
Amid this backdrop, tensions within the Israeli government have surfaced, with Gallant reportedly at odds with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over war policy and Gaza’s future governance. Netanyahu has publicly acknowledged the need for a strategic shift in Israel’s approach to its northern border conflict.
Image Credits: https://arabcenterdc.org/resource/israels-lost-deterrence-and-the-coming-conflict-with-hezbollah/
