“We understand that the Israelis are conducting limited actions to destroy Hezbollah infrastructure that could threaten Israeli civilians, as part of Israel’s right to defend its citizens and ensure their safe return home,” said the spokesperson. “We support Israel’s right to defend itself against Hezbollah and other Iranian proxies.”
However, the U.S. also voiced concerns about the possibility of further escalation. “We are aware that there is a risk of the mission expanding, and we will continue discussing this with the Israelis,” the spokesperson added. “Ultimately, a diplomatic solution is the only way to achieve lasting stability and security along the Israel-Lebanon border.”
The IDF officially announced the ground operation in the early hours of the night, describing it as a “focused and limited ground action in southern Lebanon against terrorist targets and infrastructure of Hezbollah.” According to the statement, the operation is taking place “in several villages near the border, from which there is an immediate and real threat to Israeli communities along the northern border.”
The military emphasized that the operation is being carried out “according to a structured plan developed by the General Staff and Northern Command” and that the forces had trained and prepared for it in recent months. The IDF also noted that the ground forces are supported by airstrikes and artillery fire.
The American response and the Israeli operation highlight the complexity of the situation on the northern border, with Israel working to push the threat away from its border while the United States seeks to prevent a wider regional escalation.
