United States President Joe Biden's envoy Amos Hochstein warned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against expanding the conflict with Lebanon, as reported by Axios, citing sources familiar with the matter.
Hochstein arrived in Israel on Monday where he met with Defense Minister Yoav Gallant amid rumors of Netanyahu planning to replace him. According to unnamed sources, Hochstein told Netanyahu and Gallant the US does not believe that starting a wider war with Hezbollah will enable the residents of northern Israel to return to their homes. Hochstein further stated Washington would prefer to see a diplomatic solution to the conflict along the Israel-Lebanon border, regardless of whether the Gaza ceasefire deal is reached.
Netanyahu, however, stated the return of displaced Israelis would not be possible without a "fundamental" change of situation in the north.
