During a forum on the Middle East held in Washington D.C., a senior U.S. official warned that an all-out war between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon could have “catastrophic and unforeseen consequences.”
The “Times of Israel” quoted the American official saying, “War is not a game. I do not doubt the capabilities of the Israeli military, but we must consider the reality that the consequences will be severe for both sides.” At the same conference, former Defense Minister Benny Gantz stated on Monday that Israel should shift its focus towards Hezbollah and the Lebanese border, cautioning that “Israel has been delayed in this regard.” He added that “war with the Iran-backed Hezbollah group is imminent unless Israel soon reaches a ceasefire agreement with Hamas in Gaza.”
Gantz and other Israeli officials claim that “a major operation in Lebanon is the only way to bring tens of thousands of Israelis back to their homes on the northern border.” However, the U.S. official cautioned that “many civilians would be killed in the war and would not have homes to return to.”
The official added, “There is a notion in Israel that we go to war and afterwards, we will destroy all the missiles Hezbollah possesses, and everything will be alright.” He warned, “It is not that simple. There is no magic solution. You cannot eliminate the other side. At the end of the war, Israel may pay a heavy price and not achieve its goals.” The official emphasized a diplomatic rather than a military solution to ease border tensions, stating, “Should a war break out, the international community will intervene to reach a diplomatic solution similar to what can be achieved now.” Since October 8th, the border areas in southern Lebanon have witnessed exchanges of fire between the Israeli military and Hezbollah.
