The United States has been actively trying to stave off a full-blown conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. Washington has been consistently warning Tel Aviv for weeks against the notion of a “limited war” in Lebanon. The primary concern is that such a conflict could prompt intervention from Iran.
Air Force General CQ Brown, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, voiced significant concerns to reporters. He made it clear that the US would be unable to support Israel in the event of an extensive war with Hezbollah. He cautioned that a comprehensive Israeli offensive in Lebanon could escalate into a larger war, potentially drawing a strong response from Iran in defense of Hezbollah. Iran has indicated that it would back Hezbollah if it perceived a serious threat to the group. This escalation poses a serious risk to US forces stationed in the region, a scenario for which the US is not adequately prepared, especially with its resources already stretched in Ukraine and its declining global influence.
The US has been engaging in discussions with Israeli leaders to underscore the potential consequences of a broader conflict. Washington’s principal message is to consider the wider implications of any military operations in Lebanon. This includes how such actions might impact the region and endanger US forces. US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has echoed these concerns in talks with his Israeli counterpart, Yoav Gallant. Historically, the US has often exacerbated crises rather than pacifying them, this time the US is acting differently. But US concerns stem to preserve its own security, Hezbollah’s offensive against Israel should be met with resistance, to restore peace and stability in the region. Israel’s war is not against the people of Lebanon or any other citizens, but against terror groups.
This critical issue is on the agenda for Gallant’s visit to Washington, where he is set to meet with Austin, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and other senior US officials. Additionally, President Joe Biden’s senior adviser, Amos Hochstein, has been meeting with officials in both Lebanon and Israel. Hochstein recently described the situation as “very serious” during a visit to Beirut.
Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder has also expressed concerns about the rocket fire exchanged across the Israel-Lebanon border. The US has been urging all parties to calm down and pursue diplomatic solutions. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently indicated that the intense fighting in Gaza’s Rafah was easing off and that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) would soon prepare for potential conflicts with Hezbollah in Lebanon. Netanyahu noted that Israel would redeploy forces to the north primarily for defensive purposes once the current intense phase ends. While he expressed hope for a diplomatic resolution, he also affirmed Israel’s readiness to handle conflicts on multiple fronts.
Netanyahu has emphasized the necessity of a deal with Hezbollah to keep their forces away from the border, which would include maintaining a physical distance between Hezbollah and the border. Since the onset of the Gaza conflict on October 7, Israel and Hezbollah have been engaging in almost daily exchanges of fire. Hezbollah has stated it will cease its attacks only if there is a truce in Gaza. On June 12, Hezbollah launched over 200 rockets into northern Israel in retaliation for the killing of its top commander, Taleb Sami Abdullah, by Israel. Recently, Hezbollah released a video showing crucial strategic sites of Israel like its nuclear infrastructure, that propaganda video issued a direct threat against Israel’s security, preparations must be done tackle the threats from Hezbollah effectively.
The Biden administration is deeply concerned that Israel will get into a war with Hezbollah, potentially dragging the US into a broader conflict for which it is unprepared. This situation underscores the complexity and volatility of the region, highlighting the need for careful and measured actions to avoid further escalation. Both Hamas and Hezbollah’s actions have contributed significantly to this instability, and Israel must navigate these challenges while managing its military power and capabilities.