Hezbollah's attacks push Israel closer to military action in Lebanon, Gallant warns
Yoav Gallant, Minister of Defense of Israel (Photo: Getty Images)
Aggression by Hezbollah against Israel could compel the country to initiate military actions in Lebanon. Attacks by militants are escalating, states Defense Minister of Israel Yoav Gallant.
The Minister of Defense held a meeting with the US special envoy to the region, Amos Hochstein.
The parties discussed daily rocket and drone attacks by Hezbollah, as well as efforts to reach an agreement whereby the terrorist group would withdraw from the border with Israel and cease hostilities, allowing displaced residents of northern Israel to return to their homes.
"We are committed to the diplomatic process. However, Hezbollah’s aggression is bringing us closer to a critical point in the decision-making regarding our military activities in Lebanon," Gallant notes.
According to him, Hezbollah is "dragging the parties to a dangerous escalation."
What preceded
In December of last year, The Times reported that Israel might initiate a ground operation against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.
There are concerns in the country that Hezbollah militants may also invade Israel, as Hamas did in October of last year.
As part of the operation, Israeli forces likely want to push the members of the terrorist group away from the border.
