During a visit to Washington, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated that Israel does not seek war with Lebanon but warned of severe retaliation if diplomacy fails, capable of "taking Lebanon back to the Stone Age." He emphasized Israel's preparedness amid escalating clashes with Hezbollah since Hamas' October 7 attack on Israel. Gallant reported over 400 Hezbollah fighters killed, while an AFP tally recorded 481 deaths in Lebanon, including 94 civilians, and 26 Israeli casualties since the conflict began.
