US supports 'defensive', not 'offensive' of Israeli operations: US DoD
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US President Joe Biden believes a diplomatic resolution to the escalating tensions between "Israel" and Lebanon is still possible.
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Deputy Pentagon press secretary Sabrina Singh speaks during a briefing at the Pentagon in Washington, Monday, Jan. 29, 2024. (AP)
At a press briefing on Thursday, Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh stated that the US will support "defensive" but not "offensive" operations by the Israeli occupation.
"We are there in the defense of Israel, should we need to come to their defense. We’re not going in and supporting offensive ground operations in what they do, whether it be in the north or in Gaza," Singh said when asked whether the US would back an Israeli offensive into Lebanon.
When further questioned about potential Israeli operations in Lebanese territory, Singh reiterated this position and noted that there had been no changes in the US military’s posture in the region.
"I am not tracking any force posture changes in the Eastern Med or in the Central Command area of responsibility," she stated, indicating no immediate shift in military strategy.
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These statements come in the wake of a recent terrorist attack that devastated Lebanon throughout the week. Thirty-seven people were killed, and thousands were injured in various regions of the country due to booby-trapped pagers and two-way radios.
Western news agencies have confirmed Israeli involvement, justifying the aggression as targeting Hezbollah members.
However, the reality is that these devices were used by a wide range of professionals, including teachers, healthcare workers, and industrial laborers.
Hezbollah has vowed retaliation for the attack, prompting international observers, including those from China, Spain, Turkey, and the EU, to call for immediate de-escalation and restraint.
Meanwhile, Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, at a separate briefing on Thursday, conveyed that US President Joe Biden believes a diplomatic resolution to the escalating tensions between "Israel" and Lebanon is still possible.
"He believes it's achievable," Jean-Pierre said. "The president remains optimistic that a diplomatic solution is the best path forward."
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