JERUSALEM, Israel. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has issued a stark warning that the opportunity for a diplomatic solution to the ongoing conflict with Hezbollah in southern Lebanon is diminishing. In a phone conversation with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Monday, Gallant stressed that “the possibility for an agreed framework in the northern arena is running out,” as the situation along the border remains tense.
Gallant’s comments coincided with the visit of White House Special Envoy Amos Hochstein, who traveled to Israel to address the escalating crisis. For several months, Israeli forces have been engaged in missile exchanges with Hezbollah militants, heightening concerns of a broader conflict.
“As long as Hezbollah continues to tie itself to the Islamist movement Hamas in Gaza, the trajectory is clear,” Gallant added, referring to the ongoing Israeli military operations in Gaza, which have continued since the deadly attack by Hamas-led gunmen on October 7 of last year.
The situation in northern Israel has displaced tens of thousands of civilians on both sides of the border, and efforts are underway to find a diplomatic resolution. Hochstein’s visit, which includes talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is seen as part of these efforts.
Meanwhile, Israeli media reported that the head of the army’s northern command has recommended a swift military operation to establish a buffer zone in southern Lebanon. Although Israel’s military has been primarily focused on the Gaza conflict, the intensifying clashes with Hezbollah have sparked fears of a larger regional war that could involve the United States and Iran.
Hezbollah initiated this latest phase of conflict with a missile barrage on October 8, and daily exchanges of rockets and artillery fire have since followed. Despite the tensions, Hezbollah has stated that it does not seek a wider war, though it will retaliate if Israel escalates further.
Israeli officials have expressed concern about the continued missile strikes on northern Israel, but the country’s military capacity is stretched, as much of the force is engaged in Gaza. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, a vocal critic of Gallant, called for his removal on Monday, arguing that “we need a decision in the north and Gallant is not the right person to lead it.”
The clashes have already resulted in the deaths of hundreds of Hezbollah fighters and dozens of Israeli soldiers and civilians, turning towns along the border into ghost towns. Last month, tensions nearly escalated into full-scale war when Israeli forces killed a senior Hezbollah commander in Beirut in retaliation for a missile strike that claimed the lives of 12 Israeli youths in the Golan Heights.
In response to the rising threat, Israel’s defense ministry announced on Monday the distribution of 9,000 automatic rifles to civilian rapid response units stationed in northern Israel and the Golan Heights. This move underscores the government’s concern over the potential for further escalation.
The coming days will likely prove critical as diplomatic efforts continue, but the possibility of a military solution looms larger with each passing day.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
