US advises Israel against ground operation in Lebanon - WP
Photo: The US does not recommend that Israel start a ground operation in Lebanon (Getty Images)
US officials believe that the operations conducted by Israel have led to the defeat of Hezbollah and do not recommend launching a ground military operation in Lebanon, states The Washington Post.
Sources cited by the publication noted that "US officials are still advising Israel against a ground invasion of Lebanon," as it would only complicate Israel's efforts to weaken Hezbollah.
The publication added that senior officials in President Joe Biden's administration said they are still assessing the situation in Lebanon and their next steps, warning that it is difficult to predict what might happen following the death of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in an Israeli airstrike.
Meanwhile, US forces in the region are reportedly preparing for a possible Iranian response to Nasrallah's death.
The Washington Post reported that a senior administration official said the US is preparing for a range of potential responses, including direct retaliation by Hezbollah, attacks from Iran-aligned forces like the Houthis in Yemen, attacks on US military personnel in the region, or a direct missile strike by Iran on Israel.
Elimination of Hezbollah's leader
On Friday, the Israeli army carried out strikes on Lebanon's capital, leading to the death of Nasrallah. On Saturday morning, Israel officially confirmed the elimination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, who had led the group for over 30 years.
For more information on Hassan Nasrallah and why he became a target for Israel, see the report by RBC-Ukraine.
It is also worth noting that the media have already named a possible successor to the slain Hezbollah leader.
