Israeli DM Gallant meets with US Senior Advisor Hochstein, says ‘short window for Hezbollah solution’

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant met with U.S. Senior Advisor to President Joe Biden, Amos Hochstein at the Kirya Ministry of Defense headquarters in Tel Aviv. 

The two top diplomats discussed the current situation with the Hezbollah terror forces on Israel’s northern border. Both the U.S. and Israel are against further escalation in the north to allow the IDF the time needed to complete its goals in the war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

Gallant was joined by IDF Chief-of-Staff Lt.-Gen. Herzi Halevi, Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Michael Herzog, and senior defense officials. The group briefed special envoy Hochstein on the security situation on Israel’s northern border and the necessary conditions to allow the secure return of residents to Israel’s northern communities. 

The defense minister expressed that Israeli defense officials are determined to change the security situation along Israel’s border with Lebanon and emphasized the priority of returning some 80,000 Israelis from the north who are currently displaced from their homes. The residents were evacuated from their homes due to the threat of Hezbollah missile launches and concerns of a possible infiltration. 

“There is only one possible result – a new reality in the northern arena, which will enable the secure return of our citizens,” Gallant told Hochstein. “Yet we find ourselves at a junction – there is a short window of time for diplomatic agreements, which we prefer.” 

However, Gallant was adamant that Israel would not tolerate continued threats from Hezbollah. 

“We will not tolerate the threats posed by the Iranian proxy, Hezbollah and we will ensure the security of our citizens.” 

Gallant, along with other Israeli leaders has repeatedly requested help from Western nations in upholding the terms of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which states that there should be no armed forces between the Blue Line and the Litani River except for the Lebanese Armed Forces and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). 

After a recent surge in projectile and drone attacks by Hezbollah, Israel has begun striking Hezbollah forces more aggressively, in an attempt to push the militia away from the border area between Lebanon and Israel.

Gallant expressed his appreciation for Hochstein's work in the region and for reflecting the commitment of Biden and his administration to Israel's state security.