The White House has discussed the possibility of using military force against Hezbollah if the Lebanese Shia group launches a significant attack on Israel, Axios reported on Tuesday.
The report reads: “The scenario of using US military force if Hezbollah were to join the war has come up in several White House meetings in recent days, the officials said. They added that any decision to use force would be made according to the scope of a Hezbollah attack and Israel’s ability to respond.”
Hezbollah and Israel have been exchanging fire across the Lebanon-Israel border, and there have been casualties, but the two sides have yet to engage in all-out fighting. According to The Jerusalem Post, Israel delayed its ground invasion of Gaza over concerns that Hezbollah could open a second front in the north once most Israeli soldiers are committed to the south.
The US has deployed two aircraft carrier strike groups and other military assets to the region and has been warning Hezbollah and Iran not to intervene in the Gaza war. Israeli officials believe that the US would get involved if the war escalated beyond the onslaught of Gaza.
Israeli National Security Advisor Tzachi Hanegbi on Tuesday noted the steps taken by Biden. “He is making clear to our enemies that if they even imagine taking part in the offensive against the citizens of Israel, there will be American involvement here,” Hanegbi said. “Israel will not be alone … A US force is here and it is ready.”
Source: AntiWar.
