US official says 'crazy' of Netanyahu to fire Gallant prior to possible war in Lebanon

A U.S. official has told U.S. news portal Axios that "it would be crazy" of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to fire an experienced minister of defense like Yoav Gallant amid a war in Gaza and as Israel might be heading towards a possible all out war in Lebanon.

U.S. mediator Amos Hochstein cautioned Netanyahu on Monday against initiating a wider war against Lebanon, three sources familiar with the meetings told Axios.

Hochstein's message came as the Israeli military and security cabinet have been ramping up preparations for a war against Hezbollah in Lebanon, which they hope would allow tens of thousands of displaced Israelis to return home.

Two sources familiar with Hoschtein's meetings said the U.S. envoy emphasized to Netanyahu and Gallant that the U.S. does not believe a broader conflict in Lebanon will achieve the goal of returning displaced Israelis to their homes, warning that an all-out war with Hezbollah risks a much broader and protracted regional conflict.

The U.S. envoy also made clear to Netanyahu and Gallant that the U.S. remains committed to a diplomatic resolution in Lebanon, "either together with a Gaza hostage and ceasefire deal or on its own," the sources said.