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America’s top general has warned that an Israeli invasion of Lebanon could ignite a broader conflict involving Iran and Hezbollah, putting US troops at risk.
Air Force Gen. CQ Brown, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, expressed concerns, saying, “Iran would be more inclined to support Hezbollah, particularly if they feel that Hezbollah was being significantly threatened.”
This development comes as the Biden administration has been actively applying pressure on Israel to avoid escalating the conflict with Hezbollah, as tensions in the region remain high due to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has publicly called out the United States for slow-walking weapons deliveries, acknowledged on Sunday that the war in Gaza is nearing its end but hinted at a possible future conflict with Hezbollah. He emphasized the need for a diplomatic solution but maintained that Israel “one way or another, will restore security to the north.” He added, “We can fight on several fronts, and we are prepared to do that.”
Other things to keep on your radar:
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant met with senior Pentagon officials to discuss the growing tensions in the region. US officials, including White House national security spokesperson John Kirby, have stressed the importance of ongoing diplomatic efforts to prevent a second front in the conflict. The US envoy, Amos Hochstein, has proposed a diplomatic plan to address the crisis, though its success hinges on achieving a ceasefire in Gaza and securing Hezbollah’s agreement.
The potential for a wider war breaking out is rooted in recent cross-border shelling between Israel and Hezbollah. The situation has further escalated following an Israeli airstrike that killed a senior Hezbollah commander, leading to retaliatory rocket fire and drone attacks from Hezbollah.
Various US and western officials have warned that a war between Israel and Hezbollah could result in “devastating consequences” for both countries, with significant civilian casualties.
Digging Deeper on Hezbollah:
Hezbollah is recognized as one of the most heavily armed non-state terror groups globally, with an estimated arsenal of about 130,000 rockets and missiles. Their weaponry includes a variety of unguided artillery rockets, ballistic missiles, and precision-guided munitions, largely provided by Iran and Syria.
