Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated on Friday that Israel prefers a diplomatic solution over war with Hezbollah, despite ongoing preparations for a potential wider conflict.
Gallant emphasized that Israel is not seeking war and that the decision lies with Hezbollah. His remarks followed a tense cabinet meeting where National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir criticized Gallant and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for supporting a deal to avoid full-scale war.
Hezbollah claimed responsibility for numerous attacks on Friday, including rocket fire at a military base near Kiryat Shmona, explosive-laden drones targeting an army position in the Western Galilee, and several border attacks. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched interceptor missiles at three drones but did not down them. A rocket caused damage to a building in Western Galilee and sparked fires in northern Israel, though no injuries were reported. A home in Shlomi was also damaged.
In response, the IDF shelled the sources of fire with artillery and later conducted a “wave of attacks” against Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon.
