Tel Aviv, July 1 (RHC)-- Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant says Israel isn’t looking for a war with Hezbollah, "but we’re ready for one."  Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has told troops stationed in northern Israel that while the government prefers to reach a political resolution with Hezbollah, Israel is ready for war if the Lebanese armed group wants one.

“Our alternatives are significant, and we’re ready for each.  We prepare a defense and an attack, and this whole thing can happen very quickly,” Gallant told the troops, the Haaretz newspaper reports.

“On the other hand … we’re working on a political alternative. It’s always better. We aren’t looking for a war, but we’re ready for one”, he continued.

“[If Hezbollah chooses war], we’ll know what to do. If it chooses peace, we’ll respond accordingly.”