Media: US warns Israel against escalating military operation in Lebanon

A high-ranking Israeli official has accused the US of jeopardising IDF soldiers by leaking details of Israel's ground operation in Lebanon.

The official described the leaks as "dangerous," asserting that they compromise the safety of Israeli troops, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

"This occurred despite US support for the operation," the official stated, "but it's evident that the US is concerned - hence, they revealed the operation to try to constrain it." 

The official also emphasised that "there will be no diplomatic agreement in Lebanon until the operation concludes." The Biden administration has warned Israel against launching a bigger operation in Lebanon. 

The US has cautioned the Israeli government against a bigger operation that could lead to direct confrontation with Iran. Israel has initiated a ground invasion in Lebanon, with the Israeli army engaged in intense fighting in the southern part of the country against the Shiite militant group Hezbollah.

Israel has declared an invasion of southern Lebanon, initiating what it describes as a "limited, localized, and targeted" ground operation aimed at driving Hezbollah forces further from the border. This action comes after weeks of heightened conflict with the Iran-backed militant group, which is still reeling from the death of its influential leader, Hassan Nasrallah. Both the US and Israel have issued warnings to Iran, which has promised to retaliate against the increasing Israeli assaults on its allies throughout the Middle East.

In recent weeks, intense Israeli airstrikes have resulted in over 1,000 casualties and displaced nearly 1 million people, according to Lebanese officials. The prime minister stated that Lebanon is currently experiencing one of the most perilous phases in its history. 

President Joe Biden has called for an immediate cease-fire, but US officials seem to be providing support for Israel’s limited operation just days after Washington proposed a truce.

By Naila Huseynova