Israel-Hamas War: Defense minister says Israel doesn't want war but warns Hezbollah
Reuters
Synopsis
Israel-Hamas War: Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, during a visit to Washington, emphasized Israel's reluctance for war with Lebanon but warned of severe consequences for Hezbollah if diplomacy fails. He stated Israel's readiness for all scenarios amidst escalating tensions, following clashes sparked by Hamas' October 7 attack. Gallant reported over 400 Hezbollah fighters killed recently, highlighting ongoing hostilities along the border.
By AFP
Last Updated:
Israel-Hamas War: Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said on a visit to Washington that his country does not want war in Lebanon but was ready to inflict "massive damage" on Hezbollah if diplomacy fails.
"Hezbollah understands very well that we can inflict massive damage in Lebanon if a war is launched," he said.
Tensions have been rising, with growing skirmishes along the border between Israel and the Iranian-backed militia, since the October 7 attack by Hamas that prompted a relentless Israeli retaliatory campaign in Gaza.
Gallant said that Israel has killed more than 400 Hezbollah "terrorists" in recent months.
(You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel)
ADVERTISEMENT
"We do not want war, but we are preparing for every scenario," Gallant told reporters during the visit that ended Wednesday. "Hezbollah understands very well that we can inflict massive damage in Lebanon if a war is launched," he said.
Tensions have been rising, with growing skirmishes along the border between Israel and the Iranian-backed militia, since the October 7 attack by Hamas that prompted a relentless Israeli retaliatory campaign in Gaza.
Gallant said that Israel has killed more than 400 Hezbollah "terrorists" in recent months.
(You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel)
