The Biden administration believes it is appropriate for Israel to continue with its ground and air attacks on Hezbollah. The U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said even as he acknowledged the risk of the operation in Lebanon expanding.
Israel sent troops into southern Lebanon on Tuesday after two weeks of intense airstrikes in a worsening conflict.
Speaking at a regular press briefing, Miller said the nature of all conflicts was “fluid” and “unpredictable” and therefore it was impossible to say how long it would take Israel to achieve its stated goal. Israel seeks to clear Hezbollah infrastructure in southern Lebanon. Tel Aviv seeks to return Israelis displaced from their homes across the border by months of rocket fire.
“We do ultimately want to see a ceasefire and diplomatic resolution, but we do think it’s appropriate that Israel, at this point, is bringing terrorists to justice,” Miller said.
Washington repeatedly warned Israel against escalating the conflict. A three-week ceasefire proposal last week was dismissed by Israel in favor of intensified operations.
The U.S. continued to provide Israel with arms despite tensions during the past year over the conduct of its war in Gaza. The war started when Hamas terrorists attacked southern Israel on October 7, 2023.
U.S. officials discussed with Israel its goals in the Hezbollah conflict, which at this time involves conducting “limited incursions”.
“All of us here are very cognizant of the long history of Israel launching what at the time were described as limited operations across the Lebanese border that have turned into something much different – that have turned into full-scale wars and at times occupation,” Miller said, adding that the U.S. would watch how the conflict unfolds and make assessments in real time.
Israel has invaded Lebanon on multiple occasions, including in a 1982 offensive sparked by tit-for-tat border fire during which Israeli forces entered Beirut and which led to the creation of Hezbollah.
Team Bharatshakti
(With inputs from Reuters)
