Gallant: Israel’s Ceasefire Depends on Hezbollah

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has made it clear that any ceasefire in the conflict with Hamas in Gaza won’t affect the ongoing hostilities with Hezbollah in Lebanon. Speaking to Israeli troops, Gallant emphasized that Hezbollah should not expect a pause in Israeli operations against it, even if a ceasefire is established in Gaza. This comes as Israel and Hamas are discussing a potential deal involving the exchange of 136 hostages, some of whom are deceased, for Palestinian prisoners and an extended ceasefire.

Previously, during a weeklong truce with Hamas in late November, hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah had ceased along the northern border, though this wasn’t formally part of the truce agreement. However, Gallant stated that such a situation would not be repeated.

Gallant’s commitment to maintaining security in the north suggests that military action or diplomatic negotiations will continue until peace is restored. This statement follows consistent attacks by Hezbollah-led forces on Israeli military posts along the border since October 8, one day after Hamas’s attack on Israel. Hezbollah claims these attacks are in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.

The U.S., through envoy Amos Hochstein, is actively seeking to facilitate a diplomatic solution between Israel and Hezbollah to avoid a full-scale war. Hochstein, known for his role in the Israel-Lebanon maritime border talks in 2022, is scheduled to visit Israel to advance these efforts.