US President Joe Biden reportedly feels "humiliated" by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's actions, as Israel continues its military operations against Hezbollah despite American efforts to broker peace in the Middle East. This development comes amidst rising tensions and concerns about a potential wider regional conflict.
According to sources, Biden confided in allies that he believed Netanyahu had engaged in discussions about a ceasefire without any genuine intention to halt strikes against Hezbollah. This Lebanon-based organization, founded in 1985 during the Lebanese Civil War, has been designated as a terrorist group by several countries, including the United States since 1997.
The Israeli leader publicly rejected a US proposal for a 21-day ceasefire with Hezbollah, vowing to continue military operations. In a speech at the United Nations on Friday, Netanyahu stated that Israeli forces would persist in targeting Lebanon "until we achieve all of our objectives."
In a significant escalation, Israel conducted an air strike on Hezbollah's underground headquarters near Beirut, resulting in the death of Hassan Nasrallah, the group's leader since 1992. This action marks a crucial point in Israel's efforts to dismantle the organization, which has been involved in multiple conflicts with Israel, including the 2006 Lebanon War.
The assassination of Nasrallah has sparked concerns about further destabilization in the region. Iran's vice president, Mohammad Reza Aref, warned that the leader's death would lead to Israel's destruction, potentially drawing Tehran further into the conflict. Iraq's prime minister, Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, also condemned the assassination as a "crime," highlighting the growing regional tensions.
Hezbollah, known for its extensive social services network in Lebanon and significant political influence, receives substantial support from Iran. The organization's military wing is estimated to have tens of thousands of fighters and a large arsenal of rockets, making it a formidable force in the region.
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin expressed concern about the potential consequences of an all-out war between Israel and Hezbollah. He warned that casualties could "equal or exceed" those seen in Gaza, emphasizing the devastating impact such a conflict would have on both Lebanon and Israel.
"An all-out war between Lebanese, Hezbollah and Israel would be devastating for both Lebanon and Israel. And again, we anticipate that we'd see a number of people displaced, casualties that, you know, equal or exceed what we've seen in Gaza."
As tensions continue to escalate, the United States remains committed to preventing a wider conflict in the Middle East. However, the recent events have exposed the challenges in achieving this goal, with Israel's actions potentially undermining Biden's diplomatic efforts in the region.
The situation remains fluid, with the international community closely monitoring developments and their potential impact on regional stability. The coming days and weeks will be crucial in determining whether diplomatic efforts can prevail or if the region will face further escalation and conflict.