Israel on possible operation against Hezbollah: Diplomacy as the better way

Yoav Galant stated that the fighting with Hamas and Hezbollah militants continues in the Gaza Strip.

"On the one hand, we are patient and seeking a diplomatic solution that ensures Hezbollah does not directly threaten the Israeli civilian population in the northern communities. On the other hand, we are preparing for any necessary situation, and if something similar happens, we will know what to do and achieve victory," Galant said.

The Israeli Defense Minister also mentioned daily attacks by Hezbollah on Israel following the Hamas attack and expressed hope that they would cease.

"We are not seeking wars, but we have 70,000 Israeli refugees, and Hezbollah is shooting at us every day, starting from October 8, the day after Hamas started the war against Israel. We hope that Hezbollah will understand that it is time to stop," Galant stated.

War in Israel

On October 7, Hamas militants invaded Israel, killing and kidnapping both military and civilian individuals. In response, Israel declared the start of Operation Iron Swords and shelled terrorist locations.

On November 24, Israel signed a ceasefire agreement with Hamas, which included the release of hostages. The militants released the first group of hostages on the same day.

The ceasefire lasted until December 1. Afterward, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced the termination of the agreement due to Hamas shelling Israeli territory.

Earlier, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant announced Israel's transition to the next phase of operations in the Gaza Strip. He expressed hope that the local population could return to the northern part of the enclave sooner.

Additionally, there were reports that Israel might initiate a ground war against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.