US officials discuss potential full-scale war between Israel and Hezbollah
Photo: White House National Security Adviser John Kirby (Getty Images)
Israel will not be able to safely return people to their homes while conducting a full-scale war. A diplomatic approach would be the better option, states White House National Security Spokesman John Kirby, as The Guardian reports.
Kirby stated that Israel will not be able to safely return people to their homes in the north of the country while conducting a full-scale war against Hezbollah or Iran.
“An all-out war with Hezbollah, certainly with Iran, is not the way to do that. If you want to get those folks back home safely and sustainably, we believe that a diplomatic path is the right course,” Kirby said in an interview with CNN.
It is noted that Israel claims its goal is to secure the northern regions of the country from rocket fire by Hezbollah and to allow thousands of displaced residents to return home.
Kirby emphasized that the US is monitoring Hezbollah's actions as it attempts to fill the leadership vacuum and continues to discuss the right next steps with Israel.
“We have made no bones about the fact that we don’t necessarily see the tactical execution the same way that they do in terms of protection (of civilians),” Kirby stated.
He also added that US support for Israel remains unchanged.
Threat of a large-scale war in the Middle East
In recent weeks, tensions between Israel and the Lebanese group Hezbollah have significantly escalated. Both sides have exchanged rocket strikes almost daily.
The situation further intensified after Israel officially announced the elimination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, who had led the group for over 30 years.
For more information about Hassan Nasrallah and why he became a target for Israel's attack, you can refer to the RBC-Ukraine report.
In response, Iran has threatened Israel following the elimination of the Hezbollah leader.
