Energy Minister Cohen: The time for a diplomatic solution in the north has run out

Energy Minister Eli Cohen today (Thursday) said that "the time has come to take the gloves off and also exact a cost from Lebanon itself. The diplomatic hourglass has ended."

Meanwhile, US emissary Amos Hochstein is continuing to try and find a way to prevent a general war in the north, with Lebanese news portal Naharnet reporting today (Thursday) that he is working on a "Plan B" to try and avert a conflict.

Per Naharnet, Lebanese media reported that the plan “can be improved should (U.S. President Joe) Biden’s proposal (for the Gaza ceasefire) fail and it might convince Hezbollah.”

Mutual threats have escalated across the border in the past few weeks, with Foreign Minister Katz and IDF Spokesperson Hagari threatening that Israel will resolve its border security "one way or the other" and with Hezbollah giving a fiery speech threatening destruction not only for Israel but also Cyprus.