WASHINGTON, USA: Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, during his visit to Washington, emphasized that while Israel does not seek war with Lebanon, it is prepared to inflict significant damage on Hezbollah if diplomacy fails. Gallant remarked, “We do not want war, but we are preparing for every scenario,” underlining Israel’s readiness to respond forcefully if necessary.
Tensions have been escalating along the Israel-Lebanon border since the October 7 Hamas attack, which prompted a severe Israeli retaliatory campaign in Gaza. Gallant reported that Israel has killed over 400 Hezbollah militants in recent months.
During his three-day visit to Washington, Gallant aimed to resolve a rift over US weapons shipments to Israel. He met with US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and other officials, making significant progress in addressing obstacles and bottlenecks related to military aid. Gallant expressed gratitude to the US administration for its support.
This diplomatic effort contrasts with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s confrontational approach. Recently, Netanyahu accused the Biden administration of delaying weapons deliveries to Israel amid the Gaza conflict. US officials have denied these accusations, attributing delays to the complex US bureaucratic process and emphasizing ongoing substantial military support.
Since October 7, the US has sent over $6.5 billion in weapons to Israel, including nearly $3 billion in May alone. A senior US administration official clarified that only one shipment has been paused, and misunderstandings regarding the process have been addressed through discussions between Gallant’s team and US experts.
Gallant reassured that Israel is trying to avoid a full-scale war with Hezbollah, despite increased skirmishes. He noted that Israel is preparing for any scenario but aims to prevent major escalation. US officials, including Secretary of State Antony Blinken, hope that a ceasefire in Gaza could help reduce tensions in Lebanon.
President Biden’s approach to Israel, balancing between criticism from progressives and the right, remains cautious. A proposed temporary ceasefire and hostage release plan faced criticism but is supported by Israeli leadership. Gallant emphasized that Hamas must accept this deal or face consequences.
The Gaza conflict, since October 7 attack, has resulted in over 1,195 Israeli deaths and about 250 hostages. Israel’s retaliatory offensive has caused significant casualties in Gaza, with over 37,718 deaths mostly women and children.
