Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant raised concerns on Tuesday, stating that the ongoing tension with Iran-backed Hezbollah along the border with Lebanon is pushing the situation closer to a potential military escalation. The exchange of fire between Israel and Hezbollah, which intensified since the October 7 attack by Hamas, has heightened fears of a full-scale war between the heavily armed adversaries.
“We are committed to the diplomatic process; however, Hezbollah’s aggression is bringing us closer to a critical point in the decision-making regarding our military activities in Lebanon,” declared Gallant in a statement following a meeting with U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein. Hochstein is working towards a mediated resolution to the conflict.
Hezbollah has suggested that it would cease fire if Israel’s offensive in the Gaza Strip comes to a halt, framing its campaign as support for Palestinians under attack in Gaza. However, during a visit to Beirut on Monday, Hochstein cautioned that a truce in Gaza might not automatically halt hostilities along Lebanon’s southern border.
He emphasized that a temporary ceasefire is insufficient, and a limited war would not be containable. Mediators are actively working to secure a 40-day ceasefire in the Gaza war before the beginning of the Ramadan Muslim fasting month next week.
Most of the violence between Israel and Hezbollah has unfolded near the border, with notable exceptions including an Israeli airstrike in the Bekaa Valley on February 26 and an Israeli drone strike in Beirut on January 2, which claimed the life of a top Hamas leader.
In the latest episode of violence on Monday, an Israeli strike reportedly killed three emergency workers affiliated with Hezbollah, according to the Lebanese government. Additionally, a civilian in northern Israel lost their life due to an attack from Lebanon. The situation remains tense, with both sides grappling with the risk of further escalation.
