Following a deadly rocket attack on the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, the U.S. is spearheading urgent diplomatic efforts to prevent a full-scale war between Israel and Hezbollah. The attack, which killed 12 youths, has heightened tensions in an already volatile region.
Hezbollah denies responsibility
Despite Hezbollah denying responsibility, both Israel and the US have pointed fingers at the Iranian-backed group. In response, Washington is working tirelessly to constrain Israel’s potential retaliation. The primary focus is urging Israel to avoid striking Beirut, especially its densely populated southern suburbs – Hezbollah’s stronghold – and critical infrastructure like airports and bridges.
Lebanon’s deputy parliament speaker, Elias Bou Saab, suggests that Israel could avert major escalation by sparing the capital and its surroundings. However, Israeli officials, while expressing a desire to hurt Hezbollah, have not committed to avoiding strikes on Beirut or civil infrastructure.
U.S. seeks ‘durable solution’
The U.S. State Department, emphasising its unwavering support for Israel’s security, is seeking a “durable solution” to end cross-border fire. Meanwhile, White House spokesperson John Kirby acknowledged Israel’s right to respond but stressed that nobody wants a broader war.
Interestingly, the U.S. has also reached out to Tehran multiple times since the Golan attack, warning against escalation. France, leveraging its historic ties with Lebanon, has been involved in mediating between Israel and Hezbollah to de-escalate the situation.
U.S. conveys messages to Iran
An Iranian official said the U.S. had also conveyed messages to Tehran at least three times since Saturday’s attack on the Golan Heights, “warning that escalating the situation would be detrimental to all parties.”
On the Israeli front, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s security cabinet has authorized him and the defence minister to decide on the “manner and timing of the response” against Hezbollah. This decision, coupled with the abstention of far-right coalition partners, suggests Israel may opt for a measured response rather than all-out war.
Israel may be opting for caution
Interestingly, Netanyahu’s far-right coalition partners – Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir – abstained from this decision. This abstention suggests Israel may be leaning towards a more measured response rather than the all-out war some politicians have called for.
The decision comes in stark contrast to earlier, more aggressive statements. For instance, following the Golan attack, Smotrich demanded severe retaliation, posting on X: “For the death of children, (Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan) Nasrallah should pay with his head. All of Lebanon should pay.”
This development indicates a potential shift towards a more calibrated approach in Israel’s response to the recent attack.
With inputs from Reuters
