Dismissing the minister, Yoav Gallant, would remove a frequent critic of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at a time of mounting tensions with Hezbollah.

Public opinion polling shows a majority of Israelis believe their government should be taking a stronger stance against the militant group to the north.

Israel’s defense minister said Thursday that Hezbollah “will pay an increasing price” as Israel seeks to make conditions near its border with Lebanon safe enough for residents to return to their homes.

The sophisticated attacks on communications equipment used by Iran-backed armed group Hezbollah have sown disarray in Lebanon, and are increasingly viewed as heralding a return to all-out war, last fought 18 years ago.

"Firing an experienced defense minister like Gallant in the middle of a war in Gaza and possibly before a war in Lebanon would be a crazy move," a US official said.