Hezbollah has rejected Washington’s proposals to calm tensions with Israel, such as distancing its operatives from the border. However, sources in Lebanon state that Hezbollah remains open to US diplomacy in order to “prevent destructive war.”

A senior Lebanese official close to Hezbollah said that “Hezbollah is willing to listen,” while emphasizing that the organization sees the ideas presented by US negotiator Amos Hochstein during his visit to Beirut last week as unrealistic.

Hezbollah’s stance is that it will continue launching rockets and missiles towards Israel until there is a complete ceasefire in Gaza.

Despite its rejection of the US proposal and its attacks on Israel, the terror organization’s openness to diplomatic contacts indicates a reluctance for a broader war, as stated by a senior Lebanese figure and a security source.

Israeli government spokesperson Eylon Levy also acknowledged diplomatic options, saying in a briefing to foreign reporters on Wednesday evening: “There is still a diplomatic window of opportunity” to distance Hezbollah from the border.

IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi visited a training exercise in the north on Wednesday and emphasized that the likelihood of war on the northern front has increased.

“Training has always been very important, and I think it is much more crucial now,” he said. “We are in the process of increasing readiness for war in Lebanon. We have many lessons to learn from the conflict in Gaza, many of which are highly relevant to a potential war in Lebanon. Some adjustments need to be made. Our goal in Lebanon is very clear – to bring the residents back to the north, all the communities in the north. We understand that this requires a very significant change.”

“I don’t know when the war in the north will happen, but I can tell you that the likelihood of it happening in the coming months is much higher than before. I can tell you that we are starting it with many more advantages, achievements, self-confidence on our side, decreasing confidence on their side, a lot of experience, capabilities, surprises to generate, progress made, serious training, and a strong spirit of the people. When needed, we will move forward with full force.”

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)