Israeli Defense Minister Galant said on the 16th local time that Israel will not stop fighting with Hezbollah in Lebanon until Israel can safely return its citizens to their homes near the Lebanese-Israeli border, and that any cease-fire negotiations will be carried out “in an exchange of fire.” According to a statement issued by Gallant's office, near the border between Israel and Lebanon, Garant said, “We will only conduct negotiations in the event of an exchange of fire.”

Israeli Defense Minister Galant said on the 16th local time that Israel will not stop fighting with Hezbollah in Lebanon until Israel can safely return its citizens to their homes near the Lebanese-Israeli border, and that any cease-fire negotiations will be carried out “in an exchange of fire.” According to a statement issued by Gallant's office, near the border between Israel and Lebanon, Garant said, “We will only conduct negotiations in the event of an exchange of fire.”