Israeli forces at the Lebanese-Israeli border (Associated Press)
Middle East
Israeli Sources: Biden Administration Concerned About Gallant’s Public Threats Against Hezbollah
The Axios news site on Sunday quoted Israeli and American sources as saying that US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has warned his Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant against military operations in Lebanon, noting that Austin has asked Israel to avoid steps that could lead to an all-out war with Hezbollah. .
Axios explained that Gallant informed his American counterpart that Israel’s policy is not to open a second front in Lebanon, in addition to Gaza, and stressed that he does not believe this scenario will materialize.
The news site noted that Gallant informed his American counterpart that Hezbollah was escalating its attacks and was “playing with fire,” as he put it.
Axios cited an Israeli source as saying that President Joe Biden’s administration is concerned about Gallant’s public threats against Hezbollah and believes these threats will only increase tension.
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Yesterday the Times of Israel newspaper quoted Gallant as saying that Hezbollah is dragging Lebanon into war, implying that the Lebanese will pay the price. Gallant warned that Hezbollah “is close to making a grave mistake that will cause Beirut residents to flee their homes,” he said.
Gallant said the Israeli Air Force uses less than a tenth of its capabilities in Gaza and that “our planes are headed north.”
Galant, during a tour of the Lebanese border on Saturday, warned Hezbollah against making a “serious mistake”, stressing that “Hezbollah is dragging Lebanon towards a war that could break out, and the Lebanese will pay the price.”
Gallant also added in his threats: “The residents of Beirut could end up in the same situation as the residents of Gaza, and Hezbollah’s aggression is no longer just a provocation.”
He also added: “Our large air force is directed towards the north, and we have only used 10% of it in Gaza.”
For his part, Hezbollah Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah stated that “the South Lebanon Front will remain a pressure front” and stated that the Lebanese political and popular position of support is one of “support and gratitude” that makes it effective and influential.