US envoy to Gallant: IDF offensive against Hezbollah won’t return northern residents to their homes

Jacob Magid is The Times of Israel's US bureau chief

US envoy Amos Hochstein (left) meets with Defense Minister Yoav Gallant in Tel Aviv on September 16, 2024. (Ariel Hermoni/ Defense Ministry)
US envoy Amos Hochstein (left) meets with Defense Minister Yoav Gallant in Tel Aviv on September 16, 2024. (Ariel Hermoni/ Defense Ministry)

Visiting US special envoy Amos Hochstein warned Defense Minister Yoav Gallant during their meeting in Tel Aviv earlier today that a major Israeli offensive against Hezbollah will not lead to the return of the evacuated northern residents to their homes.

Instead, it would raise the risk of a prolonged regional war, a source familiar with the matter tells reporters

Hochstein told Gallant that the US supports a diplomatic solution to Hezbollah tensions, be it through a Gaza ceasefire or another path, the source says.

For his part, Gallant told Hochstein that only military action against Hezbollah will allow Israel to return the tens of thousands of evacuated northern residents to their homes.

Most Popular
If you’d like to comment, join
The Times of Israel Community.
Join The Times of Israel Community
Commenting is available for paying members of The Times of Israel Community only. Please join our Community to comment and enjoy other Community benefits.
Please use the following structure: example@domain.com
Confirm Mail
Thank you! Now check your email
You are now a member of The Times of Israel Community! We sent you an email with a login link to . Once you're set up, you can start enjoying Community benefits and commenting.