Israeli officials say the current military operation in Lebanon is aimed at clearing Hezbollah positions and infrastructure near the Israeli border. According to information provided by the portal. axios Citing senior US officials, the goal of the operation is to eliminate Hezbollah’s presence near the border, allowing the return of tens of thousands of Israeli citizens forced to flee their homes due to attacks from Lebanon.
Before the start of the operation, Israel gained support from the United States, convincing American leaders of the clarity of its objectives. Israel promised that after the destruction of Hezbollah facilities along the border, troops would withdraw from Lebanese territory. In 48 hours of high-level talks, Israel presented a plan that would destroy Hezbollah’s infrastructure and quickly withdraw troops, according to a US official.
US President Joe Biden’s administration supported the strategic objective of the operation, aimed at ensuring that Hezbollah can no longer attack Israeli population centers. But U.S. officials have also expressed concern that what began as an operation limited in time and scope could escalate into a larger, longer-lasting conflict, as happened previously in Lebanon.
The Biden administration also privately warned Israel that an invasion could increase support for Hezbollah among the Lebanese population. President Biden emphasized the importance of a truce once the operation is over.
Earlier, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin reiterated the need to destroy Hezbollah’s infrastructure along the border to prevent new attacks on northern Israel, such as the one that occurred on October 7, 2023 from the Gaza Strip. . Austin also assured that the United States is willing to protect its allies and partners from possible attacks, including those from Iran and the forces it supports, to prevent the conflict from expanding.
