Israeli DM Gallant on Hezbollah: 'We are not looking for war but we are ready for it'

Defense minister says Israel prefers diplomatic solution to Hezbollah threat on northern border

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As Israel begins wrapping up the intense phase of the war against Hamas terrorist organization in Gaza, the focus is shifting toward an even larger threat from the north. The Iranian-backed terror forces of Hezbollah have been launching attacks at Israel's northern border communities since Oct. 8, in solidarity with Hamas.

On Friday, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stressed that while Israel is "not looking for war with Hezbollah" and prefers a diplomatic solution to the threat on its northern border with Lebanon, it is prepared for conflict if necessary.

“We are not looking for war but we are ready for it. And we will reach a junction, it will be a T junction both for the enemy and for us. If [Hezbollah] chooses to go to war, we will know what to do. If it chooses to go to an agreement, we will respond to this matter,” Gallant stated.

“[We are] preparing the military force… and this can happen quickly. On the other hand, the political alternative is being prepared, it is always better,” Gallant added.

The defense minister, a retired IDF general and former naval elite commando, made his remarks after National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir blasted him and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for contemplating a political agreement with Hezbollah, which openly calls for Israel’s destruction.

During a top level meeting, Ben Gvir reportedly equated Hezbollah with Nazis and warned that a political deal with the terror group would compromise Israel's security on the northern border.

“An agreement with Hezbollah will lead to another October 7. You can’t make a deal with Nazis,” Ben Gvir reportedly said.

Hezbollah, reportedly has an arsenal of at least 150,000 rockets and has so far fired more than 5,000 aerial projectiles, including drones, missiles and rockets, against Israel during the conflict. About 60,000 Israeli civilians have been forced to leave their homes in northern Israel as a result of the ongoing Hezbollah attacks which could potentially develop into a full-scale war.

In his statement on Friday, Gallant addressed the evacuees directly.

“I know it’s not easy, not easy for you and not easy for the residents of the north. There is one thing I can tell you and that is that it is much more difficult for Hezbollah and Lebanon. It is easy to speak from the bunker and make statements,” Gallant said in a reference to Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.

“At the end of the day, there are over 450 terrorists killed [in Lebanon]. The area is hit on a very severe level. Therefore, this burden is placed on the enemy in a much greater way than on us,” Gallant added.