Gallant and Austin Discuss Losing 'Time' for Advancing 'Diplomatic' Solutions with Hezbollah

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, in a phone call to U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, stated that time is running out for a diplomatic solution to stop the conflict with Hezbollah along Israel's northern border. According to the Times of Israel, the Israeli Defense Minister's office reported that during this late-night conversation on September 17, Gallant told Austin that 'the likelihood of an agreement in the north is passing.' Gallant added that 'Hezbollah continues to link itself to Hamas, and the direction is clear.' The two defense ministers also discussed Israel's responsibility to return residents of the north to their homes and efforts to retrieve hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. Previously, Gallant emphasized that his country is determined to establish security along its northern borders and is prepared for any potential incidents. His remarks refer to the intensification of exchanges of fire along Israel's northern borders and rocket attacks by Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militant group, in recent weeks. The Israeli army announced on September 16 that approximately 40 rockets were fired from Lebanon towards the Galilee and Golan Heights after sirens sounded in the area. Some of these rockets were intercepted by air defense systems, while others landed in open areas. According to the military, some rocket impacts in open areas caused fires. Earlier, the Israeli army reported that on Saturday, September 15, it targeted Hezbollah weapon depots in multiple airstrikes across Lebanon. Israel claims these attacks were in retaliation for a barrage of 55 projectiles fired from southern Lebanon into Israeli territory early Saturday morning, projectiles that, according to the Israeli army, were either intercepted or landed in desert areas, causing no casualties. Since the Hamas terrorist attack on Israel on October 7 and the beginning of the Gaza war, Hezbollah has been daily engaged with Israeli forces in support of this Palestinian group. As a result of these clashes, thousands have been displaced in the border areas of Lebanon and Israel. Hezbollah's attack with 40 rockets on the Golan Heights and the Houthi's ballistic missile attack on central Israel caused no casualties. Israeli airstrikes targeted Hezbollah weapon depots in Lebanon; Hezbollah claims it does not intend to go to war with Israel but is prepared to respond. The firing of 60 rockets and a drone at northern Israel; Hezbollah's infrastructure in Lebanon was targeted by Israeli forces.