Israel says it does not want war, but warns Hezbollah

Washington:

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said on a visit to Washington that his country does not want war in Lebanon, but is ready to inflict “massive damage” on Hezbollah if diplomacy fails.

“We don’t want war, but we are preparing for all scenarios,” Gallant told reporters during the visit that ended Wednesday.

“Hezbollah understands very well that we can inflict massive damage on Lebanon if a war is launched,” he said.

Tensions have been rising, with escalating skirmishes along the border between Israel and Iranian-backed militia, since the October 7 attack by Hamas that triggered a relentless Israeli retaliatory campaign in Gaza.

Gallant said Israel had killed more than 400 Hezbollah “terrorists” in recent months.

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