US Middle East envoy Amos Hochstein landed in Israel on Monday for talks aimed at averting a likely all-out war with Iran’s proxy in Lebanon, Hezbollah, but it was clear from the start that Israelis just weren’t having it.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “made it very clear” to the envoy during their meeting that it “will not be possible to return our residents without a fundamental change in the security situation in the north,” the Prime Minister’s Office said in a curt statement.
Netanyahu said that “while Israel appreciates and respects the support of the US, it will – ultimately – do what is necessary to safeguard its security and return the residents of the north securely to their homes.”
The prime minister and Hochstein met at the IDF’s Kirya Headquarters in Tel Aviv, also the site of the Ministry of Defense, where the envoy met with Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and heard the same message.
US Ambassador Jack Lew, Chief of Staff Shachar Katz, Military Secretary Brigadier General Guy Markizano, and Brigadier General Benny Gal, head of the IDF’s Strategic Division attended Hochstein’s talks with Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.
Hochstein was also expected to meet with President Isaac Herzog during his stay. Lebanese media reported the US envoy “might later visit Lebanon” as well.
Gallant likewise discussed issue of ensuring the safe return of Israel’s northern communities to their homes, and described the efforts made to change the security situation on the northern border up to this point.
He warned Hochstein that the chances of reaching a diplomatic agreement to prevent an all-out war are fading because Hezbollah continues to “tie itself” to Hamas and refuses to end the conflict.
Like the prime minster, Gallant said that given the current circumstances, the only way left to ensure the return of Israel’s northern communities to their homes will be via military action.
Gallant’s office said he also emphasized the importance of US support for Israel’s right to self-defense, and the Israeli government’s commitment to returning citizens to their homes in northern Israel following a change in the security situation in the area.
“The minister expressed his appreciation to Advisor Hochstein for his efforts to achieve a framework as it relates to the northern border,” his office said.
