Senior US officials have provided reassurances to a delegation of top Israeli officials regarding their commitment to backing Israel in the event of a full-out war on its northern border with Hezbollah. The Biden administration has affirmed its readiness to support its ally, as concerns mount over escalating cross-border attacks between Israel and the Iran-backed group.
The in-person meetings between Israeli and US officials in Washington this week included discussions on various critical issues such as the situation on Israel's northern border, Iran, and ceasefire negotiations. While Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had previously accused the US of withholding weapons and ammunition, the recent talks aimed to address these tensions and reaffirm the strong US-Israel alliance.
US officials emphasized that while they would not deploy American troops on the ground in the event of a conflict, they are prepared to offer Israel the necessary security assistance. The Biden administration has expressed its desire for diplomatic de-escalation and dispatched an envoy to the region to help mitigate the rising tensions.
With Hezbollah's continued provocations and attacks on Israel, there are growing concerns about the potential outbreak of a full-blown conflict. US officials are particularly wary of Hezbollah's capabilities to overwhelm Israel's air defenses, including the Iron Dome system, in the event of a war.
During the meetings, both sides discussed potential strategies to reduce tensions along the border and facilitate the return of displaced individuals to their homes. The talks focused on finding peaceful solutions to prevent further escalation and maintain stability in the region.
