JERUSALEM - Israel on Tuesday expanded its goals of the military operation in Gaza to include the safe return of northern Israel residents who were evacuated due to the ongoing conflict with Hezbollah along the Israel-Lebanon border.

The decision was approved during an overnight meeting of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's security cabinet, according to a statement from his office.

The ministers updated the goals "to include the following clause: the safe return of northern residents to their homes," the statement read.

On Monday, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant told White House special envoy Amos Hochstein, who arrived in Tel Aviv to discuss efforts toward de-escalation between Israel and Hezbollah, that "the window for a diplomatic resolution is closing." 

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Tens of thousands of residents on both sides of the border have been displaced due to the fighting. Hezbollah has said it would cease fire if Israel and Hamas agree to end the fighting. 

"Hezbollah is maintaining its ties to Hamas and refusing to end the conflict. The only remaining path to return northern residents home is through military action," Gallant said.

He also briefed Hochstein on Israel's military operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon and emphasized the importance of US support for Israel during the ongoing conflict.

Tensions along the Lebanon-Israel border have escalated since Oct 8, 2023, following a barrage of rockets launched by Hezbollah toward Israel in solidarity with Hamas' attack on Israel the day before. Israel then retaliated by firing heavy artillery toward southeastern Lebanon.