US officials believe that Israel is planning to launch a ground invasion into Lebanon in late spring or early summer if a diplomatic solution is not reached, CNN reported on Thursday.
“We are operating in the assumption that an Israeli military operation is in the coming months,” an unnamed senior Biden administration told the outlet. “Not necessarily imminently in the next few weeks but perhaps later this spring. An Israeli military operation is a distinct possibility.”
Israel and Hezbollah have been trading heavy fire across the border since October 7, and Israeli officials have been hinting at invading southern Lebanon if Hezbollah doesn’t move back from the border. But the administration official told CNN that an agreement that only pushes Hezbollah back won’t be enough for Israel.
The official said that Israel wants to go into Lebanon to “mow the grass” to destroy some of Hezbollah’s infrastructure. If an invasion doesn’t happen, the official said there would need to be some sort of buffer zone where either troops from Lebanon’s regular army or UN peacekeepers are deployed.
A second administration official said that while there is talk about a diplomatic solution, there is a “growing group” within the Israeli government “that says: ‘Hey, let’s just take a shot. Let’s just do it.'” The official said an Israeli ground incursion could lead to a “major, major escalation that we don’t even know the proportions of.”
US intelligence has determined that if Israel escalates the situation into a full-blown war, it likely wouldn’t be able to handle fighting Hezbollah and maintaining military operations in Gaza. That means Israel could be hoping for direct US military intervention if things escalate.
The CNN report said the US was the main mediator between the two sides, but the US does not talk directly to Hezbollah. And the US official put in charge of finding a diplomatic solution is Amos Hochstein, who was born in Israel and served in the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), making it unlikely Hezbollah would view him as a neutral mediator.
Sources close to Hezbollah have said it would halt attacks on northern Israel if a ceasefire were reached in Gaza. But Israel is sending the opposite message, as Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said a pause in Gaza would mean an escalation in southern Lebanon.
US officials have acknowledged that a war in Lebanon would benefit Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is expected to face a political reckoning for allowing the October 7 attack to happen once Israeli operations in Gaza are over.
“Once the war is over, his expiration date arrives,” an administration official said. “So he needs to maintain the impression, maintain the narrative that Israel is still in the middle of a campaign, to try to stave off efforts to remove him.”
Despite Netanyahu’s motive for a major regional war and the massive civilian casualty rate in Gaza, the US continues to provide Israel with military support. US officials previously told HuffPost that they believe President Biden’s policy of unconditional military aid to Israel could embolden Israel to expand in Lebanon and lead the US into a major Middle East war.
The moral path would be for the US to tell Israel that they are completely on their own. That would pucker them up and focus their attention. That, of course, would presuppose people in the US government with a working moral compass. So, as Robert Frost would have put it, this will be the road not taken by the US.
This isn’t about morality. It’s about land grab.
This invasion has been planned for quite some time now. Israel has been itching since 2006 to give it another go to occupy more land.
And how conveniently Hezbollah shoots off rockets at Israel,even before Oct 7.
Sure. Hamas and Hezbollah attack Israel on command by Israel to give Israel an excuse to kill them. Just reads the comments on this website and you will understand why. LOL.
There are those on this site who still deny the massacre of Oct 7,or justify it.
The mass propaganda operation by the Israeli snuff media machine? or maybe the mass Hannibal Directive that took place against fellow Israeli’s??? Your cult is doomed Jake…
Yes, there is. And then there are those who deny that Israel’s response has been a genocidal attack with over 25,000 tons of bombs dropped on 2.3 million people, largely civilians, in a tiny area of 140 square miles.
You have been trained well to deliver as much ad nauseam Israeli propaganda as possible in this forum. No sense of the history of constant and premeditated terror by the Israeli government against Gaza and the West Bank…no..for your sect EVERYTHING began on October 7th..Zzzzz.
Doesn’t hold a candle to the destruction, death and misery meted out by Israel to the captive populations.
Correct, so why did Hamas attack? They had to know that Israel was going to hit back hard. So either Hamas has a dead wish for the people of Gaza or Hamas is willing to lose 10,000s of people to they can get PR.
Bibi is paying you well…he is a master of the perpetual lie. Hamas has exposed Israel for what it has always been…a serial terrorist state whose taste for mass murder is on par with one other regime that will remain nameless…
And who is paying you for your support of terrorists? Do the Palestinians pay you by using money that they raise by selling aid that was supposed to go to the poor?
If Hamas did indeed have a “dead” wish you keep leaving out the fact that Israel had to be counted on to be genocidal monsters. And they didn’t disappoint.
Their masters are waiting for a nuclear ace up their sleeves.Israel cannot win a war of attrition against a consortium of hostile powers with massive populations.
Ran out of excuses so you’re back to Israel worrying about nukes while sitting on 200 to 300 of their own.
It’ll be show time soon. Hang loose blood.
With over 100,000 (some estimates are at 150,000) rockets, Hezbollah has not even started. I laugh at the media, talking about those “terrorists” in Gaza, forgetting that those “terrorists” have been held under an occupation that has lasted more than 75 years. Who are the “terrorists”.
And how many 155 mm shells do you think Israel has waiting to fire back? In two days Israel can drop 160,000 rounds on Hezbollah,
Over time, we’ve learned, like US, Israel can dish it out but can’t take it for too long.
They have much more in store for the war criminal IDF. Hezbollah has not even begun the much deserved retribution that is coming. The rockets before Oct. 7th were a response to Israeli terror attacks in the West Bank. Revenge is coming…stay glib Jake…
As you put it, pure and simple.
Israel would be like a child molester being put in prison if the USA ever got rid of the disproportionate Israeli hold on “our” government! It wouldn’t last a day!
Is that so called “hold” real? For sure, BIG Oil determined US Mid East policy for many year-and that was fine by many.
Should have done that in 1967…………….
That would be fine. Israel has nuclear weapons. If they have to fight a 3-front war on their own, they will have to use them.
Others have nukes too … it would be a big mistake to start threatening use of the ultimate weapon.
In the interview with Chris Hedges, Norman Finkelstein alluded to Israel perhaps using a tactical nuke on Iran. He also predicted that Israel would drive the Palestinians into the Sinai, where they will die.
Rejectionist Hamas is to blame for the Gazan suffering.
Israel’s genocidal response to the Hamas attack is to blame for the Gaza slaughter. Nothing else.
What makes you think Iran doesn’t have them? Why the hesitancy of US to attack Iran? Perhaps Israel already tried a secret GBU-28 (supplied by US) strike on Iran sometime between 2015 – 2018 but that bunker buster failed to penetrate Iran’s UHPC constructed bunkers
If Iran bombed in those years, the world would know. Even Iran could keep a secret like that.
What makes you think Iran doesn’t have them? Why the hesitancy of US to attack Iran? Perhaps Israel already tried a secret GBU-28 (supplied by US) strike on Iran sometime between 2015 – 2018 but that bunker buster failed to penetrate Iran’s UHPC constructed bunkers
Should the US back Taiwan? South Korea? Ukraine? Isolationism did not work out well as WW II started.
Simple solution: tell them, “No, we won’t do it.”
Israel will absorb a certain number of hits,and when casualties go over a thresh hold, nuke the pants off of its enemies. Breaking the nuclear taboo is not in the interests of the US,and probably the rest of the world.
Are you really searching for a Rapture?
Merely stating the facts.
So you’ve never heard of “fallout”. If Israel nukes Hezbollah on Monday then by Tuesday morning northern Israel is uninhabitable.
It is not that simple. The amount of “fallout” is dependent on a lot of factors, the number one factor being the height of explosion.
Right, and if they want to destroy tunnels it has to be at or below ground level.
That is true. That is why Israel will not use a nuke in offensive action. Nor do they have to.
They will Tim, because they are so completely deluded with bravado/arrogance, and thinking they can get away with anything. The abyss awaits.
Israel has already lost to Hamas..in world opinion, their economy, and boycotts. It is only a matter of time before Israel loses control and militarily.
So if Israel has lost to Hamas what is all this “genocide” complaining about? If Hamas has won the war, what is the problem?
There’s only one road to peace in Israel, these idiots have to learn to live together the way that Jews, Muslims and Christians lived in that area for centuries. It will be a long and difficult route, but all other ways lead to bloodbaths more horrible than Rwanda.
I agree they all need to learn live together. But neither side seems interested in that.
After Hiroshima rebuilding started very rapidly.
Yes, because the US didn’t reveal the dangers, they should have waited several years.
so-using fuel explosives would be very useful.
You are one sick F***
These two…Jake and Tim are IDF “fan boys” They think Israel will survive using a nuke on a Muslim country…their satire is unreal! Cheers
Israel will only use a nuke if their existence is threaten.
The radiation in Hiroshima declined very rapidly. Other than some neutron induced radiation in the ground at the center of the blast, the winds scatter the radiation over a wide area. And in the process diluted it. With in 24 hours 80% of post explosion residual radiation was emitted, In a week is was fairly safe. (Of course not for child barring woman or children). Most of the post explosion deaths from radiation were to residents who received radiation during the initial attack. The serious reconstruction effort was started after the drafting of the reconstruction plan in late 40s so there was little risks.
And the Japanese scientists knew the dangers.
“Mow the grass”
I envision a dude in no shirt, flip flops, and gym shorts blithely mowing over a yellow jacket nest…
I see supersonic wind from thermonuclear explosions cutting down everything on the surface and moving lots of dirt as well.
The Democrat controlled Senate has already passed (70-29) the $98 Billion Foreign Wars bill which includes a War bonus of $14 Billion for the infamous Netanyahoo regime. Now they just have to get those pesky MAGA Republicans in the Congress to go along with it. Trump is demanding they put “America First” again. He’s a beast.
Hezbollah is much stronger than when Israel invaded in 2006, they are in for a surprise bigger loss
You are assuming that Israel uses the tactics and plan as they did in 2006. They won’t.
They are using the same tactics. On a larger scale, with the help of their sugar daddy. Previous “operations”, Protective Edge and Cast Lead , have been forgotten.
Since a full scale war has not started between Hezbollah and Israel how can you claim that they are using the same tactics as in 2006?
Preparation for the inevitable. Well, its here. Israel, or rather its Zion crazy leaders have gone completely mad, and, flipped their collective finger at us. At the world. The break out of 7Oct had its instrumental value in that it brought out the “best” of the right wing government of Israel, Yessiree, it did. Also, there is a problem with 60% of the people in Israel who are all in on the genocide, wanting to see more. Biden said that SAE was a “pariah”. Well, he is aiding the real deal. I am so ill of him. Really.
Still think Oct 7 was a good thing. I wonder if the people in Gaza agree with you?
If USA gives them 14B for Hamas, just imagine how much money US will send them when they invade Lebanon.
And Jordan. Of course we will refuse to let the millions of refugees into America.
Newsflash. No country wants the refugees from Palestinians. They just sit around waiting for food and housing handouts. That has been their MO since 1948.
Tim, not even the best Israeli propagandists go that low…I think you might be an IDF boy, or wanna be. Palestinians have had lives, careers, and dreams like everyone else.
Which part is not true? No country wants them. Name one that does. Second, Palestinians have been living on international hand outs for 75 years. Half of them don’t work, why should they, they get free stuff since they are related to refugees from a war that was over 75 years ago.
Oye vey!
Why would any Muslim country want to give Israel what it wants considering its terrorist apartheid mindset??
The Palestinians HAVE their own country which is being illegally occupied and settled by Israel. They do not need to leave THEIR country??
Israel needs to get out, and become a civilized law abiding country because as the word knows now Israel is nothing more than a terrorist mass murder colonizer. Educate yourself..please…
Someone really should bitch slap you.
DeCamp put it diplomatically when he said,”That means Israel could be hoping for direct US military intervention if things escalate.”
My view is that Israel would 𝘥𝘦𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘥 a promise of direct US military intervention before escalating things further.
It will be a bad time for everyone,save fanatics and ideologues.
Well that will make Amerika’s merchants of death happy. This worked so well last so lets do again now that Hezbollah is even better armed and trained. Go Hezbollah
Peace Now! Not War! PEACE!
Have not heard from you for a while? Everything OK?
I suppose Israel’s invasive aggression will be just fine by the huge majority of Israeli-Occupied Territory – the US Congress and a long line of Presidents.
Well, after all, we, America the Beautiful, is a pretty good template. Bibi even said so. We got it all. Ethnic cleansing of Native Americans. Check. Indiscriminate bombing of civilians (Dresden, Japan firebombing). Check. In collusion with the IMF, forcing countries into bankruptcy, starvation of the people, then forcing the countries to sell off assets at a loss. Check.
Don’t forget slavery 😉
Question: Who do you hate more? The USA or Israel.
Talking about our sordid past means he hates America? He didn’t even Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
What on earth does Israel to do with world debt problems-China has a huge one.
“mow the grass” I thought: “Palestinians rioters would be crushed like grasshoppers … heads smashed against the boulders and walls,” Yitzhak Shamir (New York Times, April 1, 1988)
Invading Lebanon would be bad enough, but what would Iran do if Israel were to invade? That could be the major escalation that people are mentioning. I don’t think that Iran would attack Israel or otherwise get directly involved, but we can’t know that for sure.
There is Hezbollah in Southern Lebanon to do what you’re asking, namely resistance…!
As I said, my guess is that Iran would not get directly involved militarily, but we can’t know that. What if Israel does in Lebanon what it’s doing in Gaza, and Iran feels compelled to get involved in order to defend Lebanon?
Jeff, Iran does not care about Lebanon. They just use Lebanon to make trouble for Israel.
I’d say the opposite is the case. Israel is just a convenient enemy; the Iranian regime’s real game is being a regional power. Allying with Shiite blocs in Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon makes them one.
You underestimate the power and prevalence of hate.
Yes you do, this seems to be a major problem with the Zionist mindset. Terrorize, Occupy and Murder Palestinians and act like it is no big deal. That would never cause any hateful reactions…right..
I agree that Israel is just a convenient enemy. Iran regime power is based on convincing their people that Israel and the USA are threat to them.
Israel and the US are constantly threatening Iran and use proxy fringe groups to attack Iranian infrastructure and scientists. Iran most likely has access to nukes in case the Israeli government become too suicidal.
White is Black.Iran arms and controls Hez.
You’re brainwashed, spewing U.S. propaganda like that. Iran funds Hezbollah and has some influence over it, Iran doesn’t control it.
… and as I said before, Hezbollah will take care of Israeli attacks no matter how severe…!
Is Hez nuke proof? No sane person wants to see the nuclear taboo broken,but that’s what seems to be coming.
Is Israel nuke-proof…?!
Who is?
Jake from State Farm, Israel will not be nuking anything other than a matzo ball soup in a microwave. The day, they use a nuke, is the day, you can kiss them goodbye.
Just imagine if Iran were to get involved.
Sampson option
Not just Iran. Turkey, Egypt, Pakistan and the Gulf countries.
And who will do this ? The range and speed of the Jericho missiles have been upgraded and now reach any necessary target.
Normally I would support “it’s the size that matters”. But from a conventional perspective, Israel is not in any position to take on multiple fronts when they’ve been prepared for decades for an Armageddon. Also, launching a nuke on a neighboring country that close would bring the contamination south towards Israel and no neighboring country would want to be on the next hit list.
What do you think the IRG is doing in Syria?
Um, defending them from the evil U.S. empire?
There have been no US troops in Lebanon for decades.
“Resistance” does not mean self defense-it means stirring up trouble,wearing enemies down for the big push.
I’m sure this president will be 100% behind Israel’s latest war. Should be able to kill off a lot of Arabs.
Better start ramping that ordinance up, Mr President…
Makes them look like fools they really are.
I believe that Israel will bomb infrastructure in Lebanon but I do not believe they will commit ground troops.
“Israel wants to go into Lebanon to “mow the grass”” The only “grass” going to be mowed will be Israel’s economic infrastructure and economy itself, which will evaporate under the pressure of 150,000 Hezbollah missiles. As Scott Ritter says, Israel will lose the Galilee and there will be nothing they can do to stop it.
I cannot understand why Israel is so bent upon its eventual demise. granted October 7th was sad, and Hamas committed murderous acts that Israel also engaged in, but the outcome has begun to isolate Israel and turn public world opinion against. If it attacks Hezbollah full bore then it will in turn be severely damaged, and hopefully Uncle Sam will stay on the sidelines and let Israel get its comeuppance…the future looks very bleak..
What alternatives do they have?
Embrace a two state solution, vacate all illegal settlements in the West Bank, and allow for a full UN partition that separates both countries. The Palestinians would dismantle all resistance groups, Hamas would not have any power or influence in a new Pal. state. Palestine would have complete control over its maritime and airspace, plus it would be demilitarized. This is a start.
The best way to avert war is by utilizing Peace on Earth, for everyone, period.
“…The official said that Israel wants to go into Lebanon to “mow the grass” to destroy some of Hezbollah’s infrastructure. …”
if there’s an invasoin, under any pretext, israel is going to have a lot of its own grasses “mowed” I can assure you.
oh wait, you mean this isn’t the early 2000’s and israel didn’t already get its ass royally kicked by Hezbollah etc etc And they now want a repeat. like you know, Hezbollah has some 150,000 missiles rockets available enough for 500 over israel a day, for a year