The U.S. Department of State announced that "the situation on the Lebanese-Israeli border remains dangerous, and we are working to contain it." In this context, the department stated, "We greatly appreciate the role that Qatar has played, including delivering the appropriate messages to Hamas."
The European Union called on "the parties on the Lebanese-Israeli border to show restraint and prevent increased tension." The EU expressed: "We are increasingly concerned about the escalation of tension, destruction, and forced displacement on both sides of the border."
Meanwhile, Israeli Channel 13 reported that officials in the Israeli War Council said it is "necessary for Israel to shift its focus to the north, and for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to make difficult decisions." The channel quoted a War Council official stating that "conducting a large operation in the north would have severe repercussions on our capabilities in Gaza."
### Slim Chances for an Agreement
Simultaneously, the Israeli broadcasting authority reported from informed sources that the likelihood of reaching an agreement with Lebanon is extremely slim. Defense Minister Benny Gantz commented on the meeting, stating that they discussed efforts to confront the "aggression" of Hezbollah and to act decisively against it. During a tour of the northern border area with Lebanon on Tuesday, Gantz stated that by September, they would complete their mission there and be able to embark on another reality. He added, "It will either proceed through diplomacy or escalation... but we cannot afford to lose another year here."
Gantz remarked that the biggest operational challenge today is in the northern arena and the greatest moral challenge is in the south, in the Gaza Strip. He added, "Therefore, alongside fighting, the right thing to do at this time is to recover the captives and work to safely return the northern residents to their homes and get Israel back on the right track," emphasizing that this would not be easy.
### Halevi’s Assessment
Israeli Chief of Staff Major General Herzi Halevi conducted a tour and assessment of the situation with the Israeli Fire and Rescue Authority's General Commissioner Major General Eyal Kaspi at the "Jibbur" base on the northern border. Halevi reported to the Golani Brigade on the northern border: "We are approaching the point where a decision must be made, and the Israeli army is very well prepared for it." He added, "We have been attacking here for eight months, and Hezbollah is paying a very high price. It has increased its strength in recent days, and we are ready following a training operation... the level of military training allows us to shift to an offensive in the north... we are nearing the decision point."
General Commissioner Eyal Kaspi stated: "The routine cooperation with the Israeli army results in the necessary preparation and readiness for both agencies, being implemented practically even in wartime."
