The United States has urged Israel to avoid replicating its military campaign in Gaza within Lebanon, as tensions escalate between Israeli forces and Hezbollah. This warning comes in the wake of remarks from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who suggested that Lebanon could face destruction similar to that seen in Gaza. U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller emphasized, “There should be no kind of military action in Lebanon that looks anything like Gaza and leaves a result anything like Gaza.” His comments reflect Washington’s concerns over civilian casualties and further destabilization in the region.
The situation has worsened since Israel intensified airstrikes on Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon. According to Israeli armed forces chief Herzi Halevi, Israel remains committed to targeting Hezbollah, which has led to the deaths of over 1,200 people since late September. The conflict has driven more than a million Lebanese civilians from their homes.
Tensions between Hezbollah and Israeli forces reached a critical point after the killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in a targeted Israeli strike. Despite reports that Hezbollah had accepted a ceasefire, Israeli operations continued, derailing the ceasefire agreement. Hezbollah retaliated with rocket and artillery attacks on Israeli towns along the northern border, resulting in the deaths of two civilians in Kiryat Shmona.
During a recent phone conversation, U.S. President Joe Biden urged Netanyahu to minimize civilian harm in Lebanon, especially in densely populated areas of Beirut. Biden reaffirmed the U.S.’s commitment to supporting Israel, though his administration has voiced frustration over Israel’s lack of transparency regarding its military actions in Lebanon and Iran. Washington remains cautious about potential strikes on Iran, which could lead to broader regional conflict and disruptions in global oil markets.
Despite Hezbollah’s efforts to resist Israeli ground advances, Israel’s military has continued its campaign, targeting Hezbollah strongholds and leaders. The Israel Defense Forces reported that they have destroyed over 100 Hezbollah targets in the past week. Meanwhile, U.S. officials have expressed concerns about Israel’s expansive military actions and their humanitarian impact, with Washington pressing Israel to allow essential aid into Gaza and Lebanon.
The intensifying conflict in Lebanon follows on the heels of Israeli ground operations in Gaza, which have claimed more than 42,000 lives, according to Gaza’s health ministry. The humanitarian crisis in both Gaza and Lebanon has sparked global outcry, as civilians are caught in the crossfire of the widening conflict.
