White House says 'all-out war' not solution in Lebanon
3 Min Read
The United States had given the Israeli occupation tens of millions of dollars worth of aid amid its ongoing aggression on Lebanon.
-
Emergency workers clear the rubble at the site of Friday's Israeli strike in Beirut's Southern Suburb, Sunday, September 22, 2024 (AP)
White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre confirmed that the joint statement released by the White House on Wednesday, September 25, had been "coordinated with the Israeli side."
In a press conference, Jean-Pierre emphasized that the United States does not believe that all-out war is the solution, adding that Washington is trying to call for a temporary ceasefire.
Jean-Pierre also highlighted the longstanding relationship between US President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, stating that their decades-long connection allows for "very honest and candid discussions."
This announcement comes as the United States continues its strong backing of the Israeli occupation's war on Gaza, which has been ongoing since October 7.
The Israeli occupation forces have received several rounds of financial and military assistance from the US, in addition to political support and the protection Washington has provided for the ongoing Israeli genocide.
The Israeli military received on Thursday an additional aid package from the US worth $8.7 billion. This support, aimed at "bolstering its ongoing military efforts and maintaining qualitative military superiority in the region," primarily went toward enhancing air defense systems, including the Iron Dome, David's Sling, and the laser-based defense systems.
Tensions rise between Washington and Tel Aviv
"Israel's" aggression on Lebanon have sparked a debate within the Biden administration regarding the effectiveness of "Israel’s" extensive military operations and the potential for escalating violence in the region, as per the report.
While some White House officials support Israeli military actions against Hezbollah, others in the Pentagon and intelligence community are skeptical that this strategy will lead Hezbollah to engage in diplomacy, the report added.
Increasing frustration and concern have arisen over the rising death toll in Lebanon due to Israeli airstrikes. Although the administration has not yet labeled the "conflict as a war," officials believe it will be challenging—though not impossible—to rectify the situation, according to a senior US official as cited by Politico.
In recent briefings on Capitol Hill, defense and intelligence officials expressed worries to Congress that Israeli airstrikes could provoke an even greater response from Hezbollah, a group known for its extensive international capabilities to organize and carry out attacks, as described by the report.
Thus far, Netanyahu appears determined to persist with the military aggression on Lebanon, with the Israeli military announcing plans to intensify attacks in the coming days. “Hezbollah must not be given a break,” said Israeli military chief of staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi in a statement on Tuesday.
If violence escalates, it could lead to an all-out war between "Israel" and Lebanon—a scenario the Biden administration has long sought to avoid, the report said.
Although many perceive the ongoing attacks as already constituting a war, Hezbollah has yet to fully retaliate for Israeli recent actions, it added.
Should they choose to do so, it could escalate the war into a cycle of tit-for-tat strikes, potentially resulting in a much larger confrontation.
