Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant expressed to US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin the dwindling opportunity for Israel and Lebanon to reach an agreement. The discussion arose amidst escalating tensions along the Israeli-Lebanese border, with clashes involving Hezbollah.
Gallant emphasized the fading window for a deal due to Hezbollah’s alignment with Hamas, vowing to combat Hezbollah’s stronghold in southern Lebanon and repatriate evacuated Israelis in northern Israel.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, sparked by a Hamas attack, has left a devastating toll. Talks also centered on a potential prisoner exchange between Israel and Hamas, with Gallant affirming Israel’s determination to secure the release of captive Israelis and dismantle Hamas.
Furthermore, the ministers addressed the threat posed by Yemen’s Houthi group, highlighted by a recent missile attack in Tel Aviv. The Houthis’ targeting of Israeli-related ships in solidarity with Gaza heightens regional tensions.