Israeli Defense Minister Tells US Only ‘Military Action’ Can Return People to Homes Amid Hezbollah Threat

Israeli Defense Minister Tells US Only ‘Military Action’ Can Return People to Homes Amid Hezbollah Threat

Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz told US officials on Tuesday that only “military action” can return Israelis displaced by the recent conflict with Hezbollah to their homes, according to a statement from his office.

Gantz made the remarks during a meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Jerusalem, where the two discussed the ongoing tensions between Israel and Hezbollah.

Gantz said that Israel “will not tolerate Hezbollah’s continued aggression and will take all necessary measures to protect its citizens,” the statement said.

Hezbollah Threat

Hezbollah is a Lebanese Shia Islamist militant group that has been designated as a terrorist organization by the United States and Israel.

The group is closely allied with Iran and has fought against Israel in several wars, including the 2006 Lebanon War.

In recent months, Hezbollah has been accused of increasing its military activity along the border with Israel, raising concerns that a new conflict could erupt.

US-Israel Relations

The United States is Israel’s closest ally and provides billions of dollars in military aid to the country each year.

The US has also been involved in efforts to broker a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in the past.

However, the Biden administration has been critical of Israel’s recent military actions in Gaza, which killed hundreds of Palestinians.

Conclusion

The Israeli Defense Minister’s comments come at a time of heightened tensions between Israel and Hezbollah.

It remains to be seen whether Israel will take military action against Hezbollah in the near future.

However, Gantz’s remarks suggest that Israel is prepared to use force if necessary to protect its citizens from the threat posed by Hezbollah.