Defense Minister Gallant Says Israel Will Increase Pressure On Hezbollah Despite Ceasefire In Gaza

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant (black uniform). (Source: Ariel Hermoni/Defense Ministry)

JAKARTA - Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said Israel would step up its attacks on Hezbollah, in response to the militant group's daily attacks on its territory, despite potential ceasefires in the conflict in Gaza.

"We plan to increase the firepower against Hezbollah, who cannot find a replacement for the commander we eliminated," Defense Minister Gallant said during a visit to IDF's Northern Command headquarters in Safed.

"If there is a temporary ceasefire in Gaza, we will increase attacks in the north, and will continue until Hezbollah is fully drawn (from the border) and the return of residents to their homes," he said, referring to about 80,000 Israelis displaced by the Hezbollah attack.

Earlier, Defense Minister Galant repeatedly said he would push Hezbollah out of the Litani River in southern Lebanon through a political settlement or military action.

"We are targeting activists and targeting Hezbollah leaders. We will move forward and attack them," he explained, quoted by Anadolu.

"If anyone thinks when we reach an agreement to release the hostages in the south (in the Gaza Strip) and the shooting is temporarily halted, then that will ease what is happening here, then he is wrong," he said.

"The goal is simple, to push Hezbollah back to its proper position. Either with the deal, or we will do it forcibly," added Defense Minister Gallant.

It is known that the Hezbollah and Palestinian factions in Lebanon have been fighting each other with Israeli soldiers since October 8, with the Israel-Hamas war background that occurred in Gaza that destroyed the Gaza Strip, resulting in casualties and injuries on both sides, in addition to casualties among Lebanese civilians.