The US is calling for a diplomatic solution, but is prepared to take “necessary measures” if the threat escalates
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) continue to attack Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, even after claiming to have killed the “majority” of those Lebanese Shia fighters. This Sunday alone, 50 people were killed following Israeli attacks, mainly in eastern and southern Lebanon.
In eastern Lebanon’s Baalbek-Hermel province alone, at least 21 people died and 47 were injured, according to the Lebanese Ministry of Health. The IDF said it also hit Houthi targets in Yemen, including an energy plant and the port of Hodeidah, in response to Saturday’s missile attack by the Houthis at Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv. Israeli Minister Benjamin Netanyahu came from New York. Attacks on Houthi targets in Yemen kill at least four
In total, over a thousand deaths and over 6,000 injuries have been reported in Lebanon as a result of Israeli attacks on the capital Beirut and other parts of the country in the past two weeks.
In this context, Iran does not rule out the possibility of starting a war with Israel. Iranian diplomatic chief Abbas Arakchi warned on Sunday that “all possibilities remain open” to a conflict with Israel, including war, following the death of Tehran’s ally Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.
“Everyone is aware of the danger of war in the region. The situation is very dangerous and all possibilities are open at this time,” declared New York-based Arachi, according to Iranian news agency Fars.
It was the same day France, Germany and the United Kingdom joined in calling for an “immediate” ceasefire in Lebanon. Fearing a ground incursion into Beirut, the foreign ministers of France, Germany and the United Kingdom signed a declaration calling for an “immediate cease-fire” agreement in the face of escalating conflict in the region.
Jean-Noël Barot, the head of French diplomacy, argues that Tel Aviv must “immediately stop attacks on Lebanon”, while his British counterpart, David Lammy, understands that “a diplomatic solution is the only way to restore security and stability”. The people of Lebanon and the people of Israel.”
Hassan Nasrallah’s death “threatens to destabilize the whole of Lebanon,” German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbach told broadcaster ART, which “has little to do with Israel’s interests in terms of security.”
US vows to take “necessary action” if threatened by Iran
Having justified the assassination of Hassan Nasrallah as “a measure of justice” for all the victims of the Hezbollah leader during his 32-year rule, the US now understands that it is “no” to enter into “all-out war” with Hezbollah and Iran. The way to reach” Israel’s goal since October 7 is to bring displaced people back to the north of the country.
“If you want to bring these people home in a safe and sustainable way, we believe the diplomatic route is the right one,” White House national security spokesman John Kirby said.
Still, the U.S. vows to respond with “necessary measures” to any threat from Iran, which U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said in a statement: “The U.S. remains committed to deterring Iran and its allies and their proxies from taking advantage of the situation or escalating the conflict” in Lebanon in recent days. Exacerbated by Israeli bombings.
He warned that if Iran or its allies “use this moment to attack US personnel or interests in the region, the United States will take all necessary measures to protect its people.”
To counter this, the defense department will “further strengthen” its air defense capability in the region “in the coming days” and it has “additional” troops to respond to “various contingencies,” the statement said.
Despite this defensive posture, the Pentagon promises that Lloyd Austin and the department’s leaders will focus on “deterrence and escalation through diplomacy,” as well as “protecting American citizens and forces” and “protecting Israel.”