U.S. Officials Believe Israel Will Not Conduct Full Invasion of Lebanon
U.S. officials have expressed confidence that Israel will not conduct a full invasion of Lebanon despite escalating tensions in the region. The recent exchange of fire between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah has raised concerns of a potential conflict, but experts believe that both sides are unlikely to escalate the situation to a full-scale invasion.
The latest round of violence began when Hezbollah fired rockets into northern Israel, prompting Israeli forces to respond with airstrikes on Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon. The exchange of fire has raised fears of a repeat of the 2006 Lebanon War, which saw a month-long conflict between Israel and Hezbollah that resulted in significant casualties on both sides.
However, U.S. officials believe that Israel has no interest in launching a full invasion of Lebanon at this time. Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has stated that Israel’s goal is to deter Hezbollah from attacking Israel, rather than engaging in a large-scale military operation. Additionally, Israel is wary of getting bogged down in a prolonged conflict that could escalate into a wider regional war.
Furthermore, experts point out that Hezbollah is also unlikely to seek a full-scale conflict with Israel. The group is heavily invested in the ongoing conflict in Syria and is facing economic challenges in Lebanon, making it unlikely that they would want to open up a new front with Israel. Additionally, Hezbollah is aware of Israel’s military capabilities and is unlikely to risk a full-scale invasion.
Despite the current tensions, U.S. officials believe that both Israel and Hezbollah are interested in avoiding a full-scale conflict. Instead, they are likely to continue engaging in limited exchanges of fire while seeking to de-escalate the situation. The United States has also been in contact with both sides to urge restraint and prevent the situation from spiraling out of control.
In conclusion, while the recent exchange of fire between Israel and Hezbollah has raised concerns of a potential conflict, U.S. officials believe that a full invasion of Lebanon is unlikely at this time. Both sides are likely to continue engaging in limited military actions while seeking to avoid a wider conflict. The United States will continue to monitor the situation closely and work to prevent further escalation in the region.