Israel's offensive in Lebanon threatens to escalate war with Iran's participation - Pentagon
Hezbollah militants (photo: Getty Images)
Israeli military advance into Lebanon threatens a response from Iran, which could come to the defense of Hezbollah, triggering an escalation of the war that could jeopardize US forces in the region, states Air Force Gen. CQ Brown, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
The general stated that Iran supports Hamas but would provide greater support to Hezbollah, especially if they feel that Hezbollah is under serious threat.
Brown spoke to reporters during a trip to Botswana for a meeting of defense ministers from African countries.
Threat of an offensive
Since the start of the war in the Gaza Strip, rocket attacks on Israeli territory by Hezbollah, recognized as a terrorist organization by the governments of several countries, including the European Union, have increased. In response, Israel has been striking Hezbollah targets in Lebanon.
On June 11, Israeli aircraft launched another strike. Over a few days, Hezbollah fired more than 100 rockets into Israeli territory.
On June 21-22, Israeli aviation struck targets belonging to the organization in four areas in southern Lebanon.
Israeli officials have threatened a military offensive in Lebanon if negotiations to push Hezbollah away from the border do not yield results. Just a few days ago, the Israeli army announced that it had approved a plan to advance into Lebanon, although the US is trying to prevent cross-border attacks from escalating into a full-scale war.
US officials are trying to find a diplomatic solution to the conflict. It is expected that this issue will be raised this week at a meeting between Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin in Washington.
According to CNN, senior US officials have assured Israel of their support in the event of a full-scale war with Hezbollah.
At the same time, US President Joe Biden's senior adviser Amos Hochstein stated in Beirut on Tuesday that the US is unlikely to be able to help Israel defend itself in a broader war with Hezbollah, just as they helped Israel repel the Iranian missile and drone onslaught in April. He said it is harder to defend against shorter-range rockets that Hezbollah regularly launches across the border into Israel.
