CNN reporter here with breaking news out of Washington: Senior US officials have reassured Israeli officials that they will fully support Israel in the event of a full-out war with Hezbollah on Israel’s northern border. This comes after an increase in cross-border attacks between Israel and Hezbollah, raising concerns about another conflict in the Middle East.
During a series of meetings in Washington this week, top Israeli officials such as Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer and national security adviser Tzachi Hanegbi met with Biden administration officials including national security adviser Jake Sullivan and Secretary of State Antony Blinken. They discussed various topics including the situation on Israel’s northern border, Iran, and ceasefire negotiations.
US officials made it clear that they would offer Israel the security assistance it needs in the face of Hezbollah’s provocations, but ruled out deploying American troops to the ground. With Hezbollah’s attacks against Israel escalating, the Biden administration has dispatched US envoy Amos Hochstein to the region to help de-escalate the conflict.
Despite efforts to prevent a full-blown conflict, US officials are on high alert for the outbreak of war in the region. There are concerns that Hezbollah could overwhelm Israel’s air defenses, including the Iron Dome system, in the event of a war.
In an attempt to lower tensions along the Blue Line that separates Lebanon and Israel, US and Israeli officials discussed possible “off-ramps” to return displaced individuals to their homes. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing situation.
