Gallant: Israel won’t cease fire at Hezbollah until it can guarantee security for residents in north

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant tells his visiting French counterpart Sébastien Lecornu, “A war in the north will be challenging for Israel, but devastating for Hezbollah and Lebanon. Israel will not cease fire until it can guarantee the safe return of the [evacuated] northern communities to their homes following a change in the security situation along the border.”

According to an Israeli readout, the two met in Tel Aviv, with Gallant briefing Lecornu “on the IDF’s progress in achieving the goals of the war – namely the destruction of Hamas’s governing and military capabilities, and the return of hostages. Minister Gallant emphasized that the IDF will continue operating until these are achieved.”

“Gallant expressed his appreciation to Minister Lecornu for France’s commitment to changing the security situation in southern Lebanon and to distancing Hezbollah forces from the border,” says the Israeli readout.

“He also emphasized the important role of France in achieving the international objective of stabilizing the security situation on the northern border, as part of the wider diplomatic efforts led by the US administration.”