President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have had their first conversation in weeks, focusing on Israel’s considerations for retaliating against Iran. This discussion comes as Israel intensifies its ground invasion into southern Lebanon and strategizes its response to Iran’s recent ballistic missile assault.
Netanyahu’s office confirmed that he also recently conversed with former President Donald Trump, who extended his praise for Israel’s actions against Hezbollah. Trump commended Israel for its resolute operations against the militant group.
Israel is deliberating its options in the aftermath of the Iranian missile attack earlier in the month, which the United States assisted in repelling. Biden has expressed his reluctance to support an Israeli counterstrike on facilities linked to Tehran’s nuclear program. Israel is weighing choices ranging from a symbolic response to targeting oil installations and other critical infrastructure.
Since the previous call between the leaders, Israel has undertaken a series of sabotage and assassination operations against Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon. The militant group has continued launching missiles, rockets, and drones towards Israel, triggering heightened tensions in the region.
Hezbollah recently launched a barrage of rockets and shells into Israel after Israel alleged it had eliminated two potential successors to the group’s deceased leader. Rocket sirens blared across northern Israel, including in Haifa, as projectiles were fired towards the city.
In response, Israel deployed additional ground troops into southern Lebanon and proclaimed the elimination of key Hezbollah figures. The conflict escalated with Israeli soldiers sustaining severe injuries during clashes in the region, while air raid sirens sounded in northern Israel following renewed airstrikes on Hezbollah strongholds.
The escalating hostilities in Lebanon, following a year of conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, have raised concerns about the potential for a broader Middle East confrontation involving Iran and the US.
The UK’s Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, engaged with leaders in Bahrain and Jordan to address regional security concerns and reiterated the UK’s call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon. Hezbollah’s deputy leader expressed support for ceasefire efforts, signalling a shift in focus from ending the Gaza conflict to halting fighting in Lebanon.
The ongoing conflict has led to casualties and displacement, with more than 2,100 deaths and 1.2 million people displaced in Lebanon alone. The situation remains volatile, with uncertainties looming over the potential for further escalation and international involvement in the region.