Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant revealed that there is an international settlement under consideration, which involves "removing Hezbollah behind the Litani River based on a UN resolution." He commented, "If the settlement does not succeed, we will take military action to push Hezbollah away from the borders, and we will enter into war." He continued, "We prefer a political settlement to allow residents of northern Israel to return to their homes, but I do not see significant chances for that."
Galant assured, during a meeting with mayors and heads of local councils located near the Lebanese border, that Israelis who were evacuated at the onset of the war with Hamas would not return home until Hezbollah is pushed to the north of the Litani River.
During the meeting held in the town of Nahariya, he stated that the best option for Israel is to reach a diplomatic settlement that leads to the implementation of Resolution 1701, which ended the war with Hezbollah in 2006. He clarified that if diplomacy fails, Israel "will use all available means," including military operations, to compel Hezbollah to retreat to the north of the Litani River, according to the newspaper.
UN Security Council Resolution 1701 prohibits Hezbollah from maintaining a military presence south of the Litani River, which is located about 30 kilometers north of the Lebanese-Israeli border, yet Hezbollah regularly launches attacks on Israel from areas close to the border.
Yedioth Ahronoth reported that Israeli officials stated that the U.S. envoy to Lebanon is working to conclude an agreement to reduce the likelihood of escalation. The newspaper added: "The proposed land border settlement will be similar to the maritime border agreement. The goal of the potential agreement is to permanently remove Hezbollah from the borders."
