US Hesitant to Confront Israel on Lebanon Civilian Attacks
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Sulaiman
- . November 9, 2023
- . Update: November 9, 2023 4:46 pm
Israel continues to target civilians and children in its self-defense against militants despite the growing backlash from the international community. It has been firing into Gaza and at Hezbollah militants along the southern border, killing three small girls and their elderly grandmother. In response, the Hezbollah fired rockets at the northern Israeli village of Kiryat Shmona – killed one person.
The US hasn’t confronted Israel about targeting civilians in Lebanon but a senior American diplomat Amos Hochstein landed in Beirut hoping to cool down tensions between the two countries. He said the US doesn’t want to see conflict in Gaza escalating and expanding into Lebanon.
Washington has been playing a dodgy game. Ever since Israel launched its operation against Hamas, the US has stood by its side, a big brother. Israeli airstrikes have hit hospitals, residential buildings and the Jabalya refugee camp, and the noose gets tighter around the US’s neck.
Israel has been showing wanton disregard to minimize civilian harm and deaths in targeting militants
US Presses Lebanon
Nadim Houry, director of the Arab Reform Initiative, says Hezbollah and Israel are dancing on the precipice and not wanting to go into full-fledged war, while also not wanting to fold their cards. “We don’t know if the US is exerting any pressure on Israel but they’re clearly exerting pressure on Hezbollah and the Lebanese side.”
Experts believe Hochstein’s visit was an attempt to diplomatically contain the conflict and urge Lebanese leaders to deter Hezbollah from engaging in deeper conflict with Israel. Hezbollah’s deputy leader Sheikh Naim Qassem told BBC that very serious and very dangerous developments could occur in the region.
“The danger is real because Israel is increasing its aggression against civilians and killing more women and children. Is it possible for this to continue and increase, without bringing real danger to the region? I think not.” Qassem says any escalation would be linked to Israel’s actions.
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Israel’s Aggression on Gaza is US
Last Friday, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah the leader of Lebanon’s Hezbollah said the US has to stop Israeli attack on Gaza to prevent a regional conflict. He highlighted that there was a possibility of fighting on the Lebanese front turning into a full-fledged war.
“You, the Americans, can stop the aggression against Gaza because it is your aggression. Whoever wants to prevent a regional war, and I am talking to the Americans, must quickly halt the aggression on Gaza. You, the Americans, know very well that if war breaks out in the region, your fleets will be of no use. The one who pay the price will be…your interests, your soldiers, and your fleets.”
