An American Axios report has been published regarding the developments in the situation between Hezbollah and Israel. The report states, "The Biden administration is deeply concerned that the escalating violence between Israel and Hezbollah in recent days could deteriorate into a full-scale war. It is striving to prevent this, according to U.S. officials, and amid efforts to reach a ceasefire agreement in Gaza, a full-scale war with Hezbollah could significantly worsen the regional crisis and drag the United States deeper into the conflict."
**Flow of Fighters**
The report adds, "The Biden administration has warned Israel in recent weeks against the idea of a 'limited war' in Lebanon, cautioning that Iran could intervene and flood Lebanon with Iran-affiliated fighters from Syria, Iraq, and even Yemen, who wish to join the fight. Officials say the United States is concerned about Israel rushing into war with Hezbollah—or being drawn into it—without a clear strategy or considering the full ramifications of a broader conflict. U.S. officials indicate that the Biden administration is trying to contain the fighting between Israel and Hezbollah as much as possible while working to secure a ceasefire agreement for the hostages in Gaza. The White House believes that a ceasefire in Gaza is the only thing that could significantly ease the escalating tensions along the Israeli-Lebanese borders."
**Lebanese Army Commander**
The report revealed that on Tuesday evening, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin contacted his Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant to discuss the situation with Lebanon, according to Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh. She added, "We are concerned about increased activity in the north. We do not want this to escalate into a large-scale regional conflict and urge for de-escalation."
The Commander of the Lebanese Army, General Joseph Aoun, is visiting Washington this week to hold meetings with officials in the White House, the Pentagon, and members of Congress regarding the current crisis. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated during a press conference in Doha on Wednesday, "It is safe to say that, in fact, no one is looking to start a war." He added that most parties involved believe that there can and should be a diplomatic solution to the disputes that could provoke a wider conflict. Blinken emphasized that "what I have heard from all those concerned and others working on this matter is that there is a strong preference for a diplomatic solution."
While traveling with President Biden to the G7 summit in Italy on Wednesday, White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan told reporters aboard Air Force One that the United States "is particularly concerned" about the gunfire exchanges across the border with Lebanon. He stressed that the United States is holding close consultations with Israel on this issue.
