Politics USA: Escalation between Israel and Hezbollah is avoidable

In view of the tense situation between Israel and the Lebanese Hezbollah, the US government is trying to de-escalate the situation. "We believe there is still time and space for a diplomatic solution," said National Security Council Communications Director John Kirby.

With regard to Israel's ongoing war against the Islamist Hamas in the Gaza Strip, he warned: "We don't want the war to escalate. We don't want a second front to be opened there in the north." The US government had held intensive talks with various actors over the weekend. "Based on the conversations we've had, we don't believe this has to lead to an escalation or a wider war." Such a scenario is avoidable.

At least twelve children and young people were killed in the attack on the Golan Heights annexed by Israel at the weekend. The Israeli government holds the Shia militia Hezbollah, which is allied with Iran, responsible and is preparing a retaliatory strike. The US government also attributed the attack to Hezbollah.

"The attack was carried out by the Lebanese Hezbollah, even if they deny it," said Kirby. The rocket had been fired from an area controlled by the militia. He emphasized that Israel had the right to defend itself and that the country had to decide for itself how to react. "But we do not believe that this attack at the weekend - as terrible as it was - must lead to an escalation or a greater risk of war." Predictions of such an escalation are exaggerated.

SDA