U.S. Urges Israel to Avoid Gaza-Like Destruction in Lebanon

Photo : AFP

In a phone call on Wednesday, U.S. President Joe Biden urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to "minimize harm" to civilians in Lebanon, especially in the "densely populated areas of Beirut," according to a statement from the White House. This discussion comes as tensions rise following Netanyahu's warning that military actions in Lebanon could lead to "destruction" reminiscent of the devastation seen in Gaza.

State Department spokesman Matthew Miller emphasized that any military action by Israel in Lebanon should not resemble operations in Gaza, stating, "There should be no kind of military action in Lebanon that looks anything like Gaza and leaves a result anything like Gaza." This statement reflects the United States' position on the escalating conflict, urging Israel to avoid further escalation and civilian casualties.

Despite the U.S. call for restraint, Israeli armed forces chief Herzi Halevi affirmed the continuation of intensive bombing campaigns targeting Hezbollah positions, which have already resulted in over 1,200 casualties since September 23. Halevi stated that Israel would not allow Hezbollah any respite or recovery, indicating a firm commitment to its military objectives.

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During the call, President Biden and Netanyahu agreed to maintain "close contact" in the coming days, signaling ongoing diplomatic efforts to address the crisis. Netanyahu, in a video address directed at the Lebanese people, highlighted the opportunity to avert a prolonged war and urged them to free their country from Hezbollah's influence, framing it as a necessary step to prevent further destruction and suffering.

Concerns about Iran's involvement in the region were also raised during the discussions. A Lebanese government source revealed that Hezbollah had accepted a ceasefire proposal on September 27, coinciding with the Israeli strike that killed the group's leader, Hassan Nasrallah. However, they noted that Israel's subsequent actions undermined the ceasefire plan supported by Washington and its allies, leaving the Lebanese government without communication with Hezbollah since Nasrallah's death.

As the conflict escalates, Biden and Netanyahu's call was expected to address Israel's response to last week's missile barrage from Iran. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated that Israel's response to Iran would be "deadly, precise, and surprising." Iran had fired approximately 200 missiles at Israel, claiming retaliation for the killings of Hezbollah and Hamas leaders. Most of these were intercepted by Israeli air defenses or allied forces.

Hezbollah has engaged in clashes with Israeli troops in southern Lebanon, utilizing rocket-propelled weapons to counter Israeli incursions. Reports indicate that suspected Hezbollah rocket fire resulted in fatalities in the northern Israeli town of Kiryat Shmona, while Israeli air defenses intercepted projectiles aimed at the coastal town of Caesarea. In a troubling development, Lebanon's health ministry reported at least four casualties from an Israeli strike on a village in the Shouf district, an area that had largely avoided the recent bombardments.

Since intensifying its airstrikes on Hezbollah strongholds from September 23, Israel has forced over a million people to flee their homes, according to an official tally. The Israeli military has expanded its operations, which began as border defense against rocket and artillery attacks, into the southern coastal regions of Lebanon.

As Israeli ground forces crossed into Lebanon on September 30 in response to Hezbollah's aggressions, the Israeli army reported that its troops had "eliminated terrorists during close-quarter encounters and in aerial strikes" over the past 24 hours, destroying 100 Hezbollah targets. This escalation has resulted in the deaths of at least 13 Israeli soldiers since ground operations commenced.

In Gaza, Israel's military operation continues around Jabalia, where approximately 400,000 individuals are trapped amidst ongoing violence. Reports indicate that there is "no end to hell" in the area, noting that recent evacuation orders from Israeli authorities forced people to flee repeatedly.

The U.S. government expressed deep concern over the humanitarian crisis in northern Gaza as Israel tightens its blockade, reiterating that Israel has an obligation under international humanitarian law to facilitate the delivery of essential aid to the area. Israeli retaliatory strikes have resulted in at least 42,010 fatalities in Gaza, according to figures from the Hamas-run health ministry.

In Lebanon, the effects of the conflict are palpable, with many displaced residents sleeping on the streets of Beirut due to the ongoing airstrikes. Local residents expressed their fears and hopes for the future; some called for an end to hostilities, while others expressed a desire for continued resistance against perceived threats. Ahmad, a 77-year-old Beirut resident, urged Hezbollah to withdraw if they could not sustain the fight, while Raed Ayyash, a displaced man from southern Lebanon, expressed unwavering support for Hezbollah’s efforts.

As the conflict continues to evolve, the international community watches closely, urging restraint and a focus on protecting civilian lives amid the complex dynamics of the region.