Netanyahu disavows interest in war with Hezbollah

**Israeli PM Netanyahu Seeks Diplomatic Solution with Hezbollah, Prefers to Avoid War**

On June 20, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s key advisers, Minister Ron Dermer and National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi, visited Washington for discussions at the White House. According to two U.S. officials who spoke with Axios, they conveyed Netanyahu’s preference for a diplomatic solution over war with Hezbollah.

The U.S. officials confirmed that Biden’s aides informed Dermer and Hanegbi of their efforts to find a diplomatic resolution. They also assured that if Hezbollah were to engage in war due to aligning with Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar’s interests, the U.S. would fully support Israel.

Israeli and U.S. officials are exploring options to de-escalate tensions at the Lebanon-Israel border without implementing a ceasefire in Gaza. One potential strategy involves leveraging the conclusion of Israel’s military operation in Rafah, expected in about two weeks, as a de-escalation point.

The background of rising tensions includes frequent exchanges of fire between Israel and Hezbollah. Netanyahu has indicated that Israeli forces are concluding the most intense phase of the Gaza conflict and will reposition to the northern border, though he emphasized this as a defensive maneuver.

The prolonged cross-border conflict has resulted in significant casualties, with at least 481 people killed in Lebanon, mostly fighters, but also 94 civilians. On the Israeli side, 15 soldiers and 11 civilians have been killed. The violence has displaced tens of thousands of residents on both sides, with Israel repeatedly threatening military action to ensure the return of its citizens to their homes.