US calls for 'diplomatic path' on Lebanon following Israeli threats
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State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller expressed what he claimed to be a US commitment to preventing further escalation between Lebanon and the Israelis.
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Smoke rises in an Israeli military outpost in Northern occupied following a rocket strike from southern Lebanon, Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2024 (AP Photo)
State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller reiterated on Tuesday what he claimed to be a US desire to prevent further escalations between "Israel" and the Lebanese Resistance amid Israeli aggressions in Lebanon's South, noting that efforts are currently underway to push for a diplomatic resolution.
"We do not want to see either side ["Israel" or Hezbollah] escalate the conflict in the north, and in fact, we are going to continue to pursue a diplomatic resolution of that conflict," Miller said during a press briefing.
"The government of Israel has said publicly, and they have assured us privately, that they want to achieve a diplomatic path," he claimed.
"That's what we're going to continue to pursue and, ultimately, that would make military action unnecessary."
Miller highlighted what he described as a "real security threat" with thousands of settlers who have fled their residence near Lebanon, claiming it to be a "legitimate issue that needs to be addressed."
This is not the first time that Miller has issued such a statement. A similar statement was made on February 14, on the same day that an Israeli aggression resulted in the martyrdom of four people, including a mother and her two children.
Read more: Hezbollah launches 40 rockets toward strategic 'Meron' airbase
This comes as Israeli security minister Yoav Gallant announced on Monday that the regime is planning to intensify its strikes on Southern Lebanon, even in the event of a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
"We are planning to increase the firepower against Hezbollah, which is unable to find replacements for the commanders we are eliminating," Gallant said.
Gaza Genocide Spurs Hezbollah Response
The Gaza genocide has prompted several resistance movements across the region to retaliate against the massacres inflicted by the Israeli army on the people of Gaza.
Hezbollah commenced operations against the regime on October 8, 2023, and has since conducted over 1,000 operations targeting Israeli military assets and personnel, including crucial military bases.
Since the start of Al-Aqsa Flood, Hezbollah's operations have prompted the evacuation of approximately 80,000 Israelis.
"Israel", on the other hand, has been deliberately targeting civilian buildings and infrastructure without regard for civilian lives and without consideration to the fact that its targets are illegitimate.
So far, "Israel's" aggressions have resulted in the martyrdom of 276 Lebanese citizens.
Read more: Southern Lebanon stands with Resistance despite Israeli terrorism
At the edge of regional war
Amid a surge in resistance operations across the region and a decline in "Israel's" global reputation, the regime has been deliberately escalating provocations in an attempt to drag the US into a regional war.
Not only have Resistance groups across the Middle East been targeting Israeli-linked elements in response to the genocide, but Cairo has also warned that it would be compelled to terminate "peace" agreements with the regime if the city of Rafah in Gaza were to be invaded.
Meanwhile, discussions are reportedly taking place regarding the potential withdrawal of US troops in both Iraq and Syria.
In case Netanyahu proceeds with his plan to invade Rafah, the US may decide to scale back on its decision to withdraw troops. The matter remains open to debate.
