USA (Washington Insider Magazine) – Senior Israeli officials have issued a stark warning to Hezbollah, hinting at the potential for further conflict. However, the Biden administration said worries about a wider conflict between Israel and Hezbollah militants breaking out are “exaggerated,” even as some Israeli officials signal that fierce retaliation could come soon.
Israel and the United States accuse Hezbollah, a Lebanon-based militant group, of a weekend attack that killed a dozen children in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. Hezbollah has denied any involvement. In response, the Israeli security cabinet has authorised Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant to carry out a military strike.
Regional tensions on the rise
Amid escalating tensions, Israel’s Special Representative for Foreign Affairs, Fleur Hassan-Nahoum, described the situation as being on the brink of regional or global war and blamed Iran for the regional crisis
National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby stressed the importance of a diplomatic solution, downplaying predictions of widespread conflict. Kirby emphasized that efforts should focus on diplomacy rather than military action, especially involving the US military.
International Reactions and Concerns
According to Politico, tensions have led to various international reactions. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan threatened to send troops into Israel to support Palestinians, while Germany called for de-escalation. Airlines have suspended flights to Beirut due to fears of increased conflict.
While some Israeli officials, like Fleur Hassan-Nahoum, suggest that Hezbollah should avoid conflict by taking specific actions, others, like Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bouhabib, indicated that militants would withdraw if Israel ceased attacks. US officials and experts expressed differing views on the inevitability of escalation.
US Senators have voiced concerns about the volatile situation. Senator Ben Cardin noted the high potential for escalation, while Senator Thom Tillis supported Israel’s right to respond decisively. Middle East security expert Jonathan Lord noted that while Israel is unlikely to initiate a ground invasion of Lebanon, changes in military positioning could signal future actions.
In conclusion, while regional tensions are high, the US continues to push for diplomatic solutions, striving to prevent further escalation into a broader conflict.
