ESPARGOS, Cape Verde: The top US military officer, Air Force Gen. CQ Brown, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, has cautioned that an Israeli military offensive into Lebanon could provoke an Iranian response to defend Hezbollah, potentially igniting a broader war and endangering US forces in the region.
Brown emphasized that Iran would likely increase its support for Hezbollah, especially if the group were significantly threatened.
The situation remains tense as Israeli officials threaten military action in Lebanon unless a diplomatic resolution can push Hezbollah away from the border. Recently, Israel’s military confirmed plans for an offensive in Lebanon, despite US efforts to prevent the conflict from escalating. US President Joe Biden’s senior adviser, Amos Hochstein, has been actively engaging with officials in Lebanon and Israel to deescalate tensions and pursue a diplomatic solution to avoid a larger war.
General Brown highlighted that the US might struggle to support Israel in a broader conflict against Hezbollah as effectively as it did during the Iranian missile and drone attacks in April. The challenge lies in countering the short-range rockets that Hezbollah frequently launches across the border into Israel.
Pentagon officials, including Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin, have expressed concerns about the potential for a wider conflict during discussions with Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant.
A war between Israel and Hezbollah could result in significant civilian casualties and extensive destruction in both countries. Hezbollah’s rocket arsenal is believed to surpass that of Hamas. The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has intensified following an Israeli airstrike that killed a senior Hezbollah military commander in southern Lebanon. In retaliation, Hezbollah launched hundreds of rockets and explosive drones into northern Israel, prompting a robust Israeli response.
The ongoing skirmishes have already resulted in substantial casualties, with over 400 deaths in Lebanon, including 70 civilians, and 16 Israeli soldiers and 10 civilians killed. An escalation could draw in other militant groups, potentially leading to a full-scale regional war.
Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah has indicated that militant leaders from various countries have offered to send fighters to support Hezbollah, but he claimed the group already has over 100,000 fighters.
Efforts to restore calm and seek a diplomatic solution remain critical as the risk of a wider conflict looms.
