New Israeli Threat to "Hezbollah": Either Diplomacy or Force

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant warned "Hezbollah" once again that "Israel will restore security to the region through military action if a diplomatic agreement is not reached." During a visit to the 8th Brigade operating at the border with southern Lebanon, he stated: "I believe that as long as the fighting continues in the south (Gaza Strip), there will be fighting in the north (Lebanese borders). But we will not accept this situation for long." He added: "There will come a time if we do not reach an agreement that respects the residents' right to live here in safety, we will have to achieve security by force." On Thursday, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated that Israel prefers to reach a political agreement that allows the return of residents to northern settlements, but is strengthening preparations for their return by expanding the military campaign.