Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant warned U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin that time is running out for a diplomatic solution to the Hezbollah standoff in southern Lebanon. The ongoing missile exchanges between Israeli troops and Hezbollah forces have escalated the crisis, prompting White House envoy Amos Hochstein to visit Israel and discuss the situation.
Gallant emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that the window for a peaceful resolution in the northern arena is closing. The ties between Hezbollah and Hamas in Gaza have further complicated the situation, raising concerns of a potential regional conflict involving the United States and Iran.
Efforts to find a diplomatic solution are underway, with discussions on creating a buffer zone in southern Lebanon. The precarious situation has led to mass displacement on both sides of the border, with communities becoming ghost towns due to the ongoing conflict.
Despite the calls for action by some Israeli officials, there are concerns about the military readiness for an invasion of southern Lebanon. The approval for distributing 9,000 automatic rifles to civilian rapid response units highlights the escalating tensions in the region.
© Thomson Reuters 2024.