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President Biden has told reporters that the United States is doing everything it can to prevent a broader war from breaking out between Israel and Hezbollah in the Middle East.

Let’s bring you up to speed: Over the last week, tensions between Israel and Hezbollah have escalated, primarily over Israel’s demand that Hezbollah withdraw its forces from the area south of the Litani River. Israel insists on this buffer to safely move its citizens back to northern Israel following the evacuation due to ongoing rocket attacks. However, Hezbollah has refused to pull back, citing continuous Israeli airstrikes and military operations as provocations that justify their presence and resistance. This standoff has led to an increase in hostilities, with Hezbollah launching rockets into Israel and the IDF responding with intensified strikes on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon.

What US officials are saying: While speaking with reporters, President Biden said, “We’re going to do everything we can to keep a wider war from breaking out.” In addition to President Biden, White House National Security Coordinator John Kirby said “everything we can to try to prevent this from becoming an all-out war there with Hezbollah across that Lebanese border.” Kirby also noted that the US was optomistic about a “diplomatic solution,” adding, “We believe that there are better ways to try to get those Israeli citizens back in their homes up in the north, and to keep those that are there, there safely, than a war, than an escalation, then opening up a second front there at that border with Lebanon against Hezbollah.”

Digging Deeper: Recently, Israel has been accused of deploying unconventional attacks using mobile devices, particularly targeting Hezbollah members in Lebanon. These attacks reportedly involved the use of explosive devices hidden in pagers and handheld radios, which detonated remotely, causing significant casualties. The use of such methods has drawn international criticism, with a United Nations panel condemning the devices as illegal “booby traps” with the potential to harm civilians.

This all comes as reports suggest that Israel has been planning its operations against Hezbollah officials for years, employing sophisticated methods like mobile device explosions. A US intelligence official, cited by ABC News, revealed that Israel had been infiltrating Hezbollah’s supply chains for at least 15 years. This long-term effort also includes disrupting critical infrastructure and communication networks, with recent actions involving the use of explosive devices in mobile equipment.”