Israeli Minister Warns Time is Running Out for Diplomatic Solution with Hezbollah in Lebanon, According to Reuters

Tensions Rise in Northern Israel as Diplomatic Opportunities Dwindle

JERUSALEM – Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant expressed concern to U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Monday, warning that the opportunity for a diplomatic resolution regarding the ongoing tensions with the Iranian-supported Hezbollah movement in southern Lebanon is diminishing.

These comments came as White House Special Envoy Amos Hochstein was in Israel to address the escalating crisis along the northern border, where clashes between Israeli troops and Hezbollah forces have persisted for months.

Gallant conveyed to Austin that "the possibility for an agreed framework in the northern arena is running out." He pointed out that Hezbollah’s alliance with the militant group Hamas in Gaza—where Israeli forces have been engaged in conflict for nearly a year—has exacerbated the situation, indicating a troubling trajectory for violence.

As Hochstein prepares to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, diplomatic efforts are ongoing to mitigate the crisis, which has displaced tens of thousands of people on both sides.

Meanwhile, reports have emerged from Israeli media suggesting that the commander of the army’s northern command has proposed a swift military operation to establish a buffer zone in southern Lebanon. While the ongoing conflict in Gaza has predominantly occupied Israel’s attention since the Hamas attack on October 7, concerns about escalating hostilities in the north have heightened fears of a broader regional conflict involving the U.S. and Iran.

Following the missile assault from Hezbollah a day after the Gaza conflict reignited, there have been ongoing exchanges of fire, including daily rocket attacks, artillery strikes, and air raids deep into Lebanon.

Hezbollah has stated that it is not seeking a wider conflict at this time but has indicated readiness to retaliate if Israel initiates hostilities. Israeli officials have reiterated that maintaining an indefinite presence of hostility along their northern border is unacceptable. However, with military focus primarily on Gaza, questions have arisen regarding the readiness for a potential invasion of southern Lebanon.

Calls for decisive action have been made by hardline members of the Israeli government. On Monday, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, known for his opposition to Gallant, criticized him and insisted on a leadership change. "We need a decision in the north and Gallant is not the right person to lead it," he stated.

The ongoing exchanges of fire have resulted in the deaths of hundreds of Hezbollah fighters, as well as Israeli soldiers and civilians, leaving many border communities nearly deserted.

Last month, tensions escalated dramatically when Israeli forces killed a senior Hezbollah commander in Beirut, which was seen as retaliation for a missile strike that had resulted in the loss of lives of 12 youths in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights.

In a further development on Monday, Israel’s defense ministry announced the authorization of 9,000 automatic rifles for civilian rapid response units in northern Israel and the Golan Heights, indicating an increase in preparedness amid the volatile situation.