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US 'does not expect Israel to absorb' Hezbollah attacks, signals green light for IDF escalation

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Ongoing story
  • The U.S. official stated that Washington does not expect Israel to tolerate ongoing attacks from Hezbollah.
  • A proposed U.S. framework suggests Hezbollah cease firing in exchange for Israel avoiding escalation in Beirut.
  • The U.S. official emphasized that Hezbollah stopping its attacks is the quickest path to de-escalation and civilian protection.

A U.S. official indicated that the United States does not anticipate Israel will continue to absorb attacks from Hezbollah, a move that could signal approval for an expanded Israeli operation. The official told The Jerusalem Post that the fastest route to de-escalation and safeguarding civilians on all sides is for Hezbollah to halt its attacks immediately.

The United States 'does not expect Israel to absorb ongoing attacks on its civilians by a terrorist organization.'

— U.S. officialStating the U.S. position on Israel's response to Hezbollah attacks.

Following reports of Israel seeking U.S. consent for broader operations in Beirut, Lebanon, the official revealed that U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio had presented a framework for de-escalating hostilities to both Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun. This proposal reportedly calls for Hezbollah to cease all attacks on Israel, with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) agreeing to avoid escalating operations in Beirut in return.

The fastest way to de-escalate and protect civilians on all sides is for Hezbollah to stop firing immediately.

— U.S. officialEmphasizing the condition for de-escalation.

The framework aims to establish conditions conducive to a gradual reduction in tensions and an effective cessation of hostilities. President Aoun reportedly attempted to advance this proposal and secure an agreement. However, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri's response was described as evasive and disappointing. Berri claimed he could "guarantee" Hezbollah's commitment to a ceasefire but insisted that Israel must cease fire first, despite Hezbollah initiating the current conflict.

Hezbollah to stop all its attacks on Israel, with the IDF avoiding an escalation of its Beirut only in return for that initiative.

— U.S. officialDescribing the proposed framework for de-escalation.

This development follows appeals from senior Israeli officials to their U.S. counterparts, requesting permission for the IDF to expand its operations in Beirut. Israeli officials expressed optimism about a favorable U.S. response, citing the lack of progress in negotiations between Washington and Tehran, as well as in talks between Israel and Lebanon.

I can guarantee Hezbollah's commitment to a ceasefire, but placed the burden on Israel to cease fire first, despite the fact that Hezbollah initiated the current round of fighting on March 2, just as it initiated the previous war in 2023.

— Nabih BerriParliament Speaker's response to the proposed de-escalation framework.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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