June 22, 2024 – The United States has assured Israel of its support in the event of a full-scale war with Hezbollah, as tensions between Israel and the Lebanese militant group continue to escalate. The Biden administration is actively involved in diplomatic efforts to prevent the conflict from spiraling into a broader regional war.

US envoy Amos Hochstein has been visiting the Middle East, meeting with top Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and President Isaac Herzog, to discuss the volatile situation on the Israel-Lebanon border. Hochstein’s mission aims to de-escalate the near-daily skirmishes that have been ongoing since a major Hamas attack on southern Israel in October triggered the current conflict​ (West Hawaii Today)​​ (Al-Monitor)​.

Despite these diplomatic efforts, the situation remains precarious. Recent Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon killed a senior Hezbollah commander, which led to a significant retaliatory rocket barrage from Hezbollah​ (News From Antiwar.com)​. The US is concerned that Israel may be hastily moving toward a confrontation without a clear strategy, fearing that such an escalation could draw in other regional actors, including Iran and militant groups in Iraq and Syria​ (News From Antiwar.com)​​ (The Cradle)​.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken has been actively involved in trying to mediate a ceasefire in Gaza, which US officials believe could help reduce tensions on the Israel-Lebanon border. However, these efforts have so far been unsuccessful, and the risk of a broader conflict remains high​ (Al-Monitor)​​ (News From Antiwar.com)​.

The situation on the ground in northern Israel and southern Lebanon has led to significant casualties on both sides. Israeli bombings have killed hundreds in Lebanon, including civilians, while Hezbollah’s attacks have resulted in both military and civilian deaths in Israel​ (News From Antiwar.com)​.

The US and France are leading international efforts to broker a peace deal, but the complex political and military dynamics in the region make this a challenging task. As the diplomatic push continues, the international community watches closely, hoping to avert a full-scale war that could have devastating consequences for the region​ (West Hawaii Today)​​ (Al-Monitor)​.