Israel to US ambassador: Hezbollah threat must be ended diplomatically or militarily

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on Friday said that Israel is “committed to returning the residents of the north to their homes,” after tens of thousands were evacuated amid daily clashes with Hezbollah.

“We are nearing this decision,” Gallant added.

"We prefer returning the residents to the north through a settlement and we're also ready to do so through military force," he said.

The commander of Israel’s northern command, Ori Gordin, meanwhile briefed the U.S. ambassador to Israel on “Hezbollah’s threats.”

“The Lebanon threat must be eliminated diplomatically or militarily,” Gordin added.

“There can be no return to the pre-October 7 situation,” he stressed.

Over 190 people have been killed in Lebanon during more than three months of cross-border clashes, including over 140 Hezbollah fighters and over 20 civilians, among them three journalists. In northern Israel, nine soldiers and six civilians have been killed, according to Israeli authorities.

The fighting has also displaced tens of thousands of Lebanese and Israeli residents on both sides of the border and Israel says it is keen on returning its residents to their homes even if that required a military campaign.