JERUSALEM, Sept. 16 (Xinhua) -- Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant told his American counterpart on Monday that time is running out for a diplomatic solution to prevent a full-scale war with Hezbollah in Lebanon.
In a phone call, Gallant informed U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin that "the possibility for an agreed framework is running out," according to a statement from Gallant's office.
"The trajectory is clear" as long as Hezbollah "continues to tie itself to Hamas," Gallant said.
The statement also noted that the two discussed efforts to secure the release of hostages still held by Hamas in Gaza. Gallant emphasized that Israel will "continue to operate with the aim of dismantling Hamas and ensuring the return of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza -- by any means necessary."
The call came as White House senior advisor Amos Hochstein arrived in Israel on Monday to discuss the ongoing fighting, which has seen exchanges of fire between Israel and Hezbollah since October 7 last year. Hochstein is expected to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Gallant as part of diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation. ■