The White House Calls on Israel to De-escalate in Light of Rising Tensions with Hezbollah
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu pledged to retaliate for the rocket attack that tragically claimed the lives of children at a soccer field.
The White House on July 29 advised Israel to exercise caution in not escalating tensions with the Hezbollah terrorist group based in Lebanon, following the rocket strike that resulted in the deaths of 12 children at a soccer field in the Golan Heights.
“Israel has the right to respond,” stated White House national security spokesman John Kirby during a call with the press. “However, the aim is to prevent a broader conflict, and I am confident that we can avoid such a scenario.”
Kirby mentioned that U.S. officials engaged with Israeli counterparts over the weekend but refrained from divulging specific details.
“I defer to the Israelis to announce their response to this attack,” he stated. “Our focus is on averting an escalation of hostilities and seeking a diplomatic resolution.”
Hezbollah, a U.S.-designated terrorist organization backed by Iran, was linked to the rocket assault in a statement issued by the United States on July 28, following discussions with Israeli and Lebanese authorities.
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“Hezbollah began firing on Israel on October 8, professing support for Hamas, another Iran-affiliated terrorist group. Our commitment to Israel’s security remains firm and resolute in the face of all threats backed by Iran, including Hezbollah,” National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson stated in a statement.
Ms. Watson indicated that diplomatic efforts are underway along the “Blue Line,” the U.N.-demarcated border between Israel and Lebanon, to halt hostilities and ensure the safe return of citizens on both sides.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to retaliate against the rocket attack, affirming that his government would exact a “heavy toll” on the Hezbollah terrorist organization.
“Israel will not ignore this heinous attack,” he declared on July 27.
Hezbollah has denied responsibility for the rocket assault, which transpired in Majdal Shams, a primarily Druze town in the Golan Heights, located approximately seven miles from the Israel-Lebanon border. Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib informed the media outlets on July 28 that Hezbollah has not targeted civilians.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Embassy in Beirut has cautioned American nationals to depart Lebanon or prepare to shelter in place due to the “complex and rapidly evolving situation.”
“We advise U.S. citizens to devise a crisis action plan and evacuate before a crisis erupts,” Assistant Secretary for Consular Affairs Rena Bitter shared in a video message posted on X, previously known as Twitter, on July 29.
If commercial air travel becomes inaccessible, those remaining in Lebanon should be prepared for an extended period of sheltering in place, Ms. Bitter advised.
Monica O’Shea and Chase Smith contributed to this report.
