Netanyahu to Hochstein: Israel will do what it needs to ensure its security

Prime Minister Netanyahu met with US Middle East envoy Amos Hochstein (Monday) to discuss the worsening situation on the northern border and the low level conflict with Hezbollah.

While Hochstein insisted that a wider war would not ensure the evacuated northern residents can return safely, Netanyahu disagreed saying that "our residents cannot be returned without a fundamental change in the security situation in the north."

Netanyahu further said that "Israel appreciates and respects the support of the United States, but it will ultimately do what it needs to ensure its security and return the residents of the north to their homes in safety."

The Defense Minister also met with Hochstein today, where they discussed the border war and IDF attacks against Hezbollah. Gallant stressed that "the possibility of a settlement is passing. Hezbollah continues to tie itself to Hamas and refuses to end the conflict, and therefore - the only path remaining to returning the residents of the north to their homes will be via a military action."