Israel is sending mixed signals, alternating between its threats of a widening conflict with Hezbollah and its rejection of war with Lebanon.
According to Israeli media, former Israeli Defense Minister and chief of the National Unity Party Benny Gantz called on Thursday morning for “the mayors of the North to prepare for the difficult days that could lead to war with Hezbollah.”
For his part, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant noted that the Lebanese government was “opposed to a full-scale war and should exert pressure on Hezbollah,” while reaffirming that his country was “prepared for a large-scale war but prefers not to engage in it.”
Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts to avert a full-scale war are gathering pace. At the moment, efforts are focused on establishing a truce in Gaza which would extend to the southern border, especially as an upsurge in the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah could have catastrophic consequences on the entire region.
Israeli media said on Wednesday that the war cabinet was due to meet again on Thursday to discuss, among other issues, a possible response to Hezbollah’s attacks on northern Israel and the hostage agreement.
According to the Al-Hadath news channel, the meeting was called off.
