Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant said today that time is running out for an agreement with Hezbollah to stop clashes along the Israeli-Lebanese border.

In a conversation with his American colleague Lloyd Austin, Gallant noted that "the possibility of an agreement in the northern arena is coming to an end as Hezbollah continues to 'associate' with Hamas", reports the Times of Israel.

Gallant also told the US defense secretary that "whatever the scenario, the Israel Defense Forces will continue to operate in order to destroy Hamas and secure the return of the hostages that Hamas is holding in Gaza," the cabinet said. Gallant, reports Tanjug.

Hezbollah began firing rockets and drones at northern Israel after the Gaza conflict erupted following an attack on Israel by the Palestinian militant group Hamas on October 7 last year.

Hezbollah has announced it will halt attacks if a ceasefire is reached in Gaza, but months of negotiations brokered by the United States, Qatar and Egypt have stalled.

Israel responds to Hezbollah attacks with airstrikes against Hezbollah positions in Lebanon.