The Biden administration is in full support of Israel’s recent surge in attacks against Hezbollah in Lebanon, following Iran’s retaliatory missile strike. Despite condemning Iran’s actions as escalatory, officials emphasize Israel’s right to defend itself and aim for a cease-fire. The U.S. praises Israel for targeting Hezbollah leaders, highlighting a distinction from their criticism of civilian casualties in Gaza. The Pentagon supports Israel’s actions against Hezbollah along the border, aiming to protect both Israeli and Lebanese citizens.
State Department spokesman Matthew Miller justifies Israel’s targeting of Hamas and Hezbollah leaders as self-defense, contrasting it with Iran’s state-on-state attack to support designated terrorist groups. The U.S. expresses concerns over Israel’s escalating tensions and urges for diplomatic progress to prevent a regional war. Despite this, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appears undeterred by U.S. cautions, raising questions about U.S. influence in the Middle East.