US may back expanded Israeli offensive in Lebanon: Report

A senior US official has signalled Washington could support a wider Israeli military campaign against Hezbollah in Lebanon, as cross-border attacks intensify.

Speaking to Channel 12 and Axios reporter Barak Ravid, the official said Hezbollah’s continued retaliation to Israeli attacks seemed to be the problem.

“Hezbollah has ignored repeated requests to stop firing at Israel, including a recent ultimatum. Israel will never be expected to passively absorb attacks on its forces and civilians,” the official is quoted as saying. “This is not the Biden administration.”

The official said Hezbollah had launched more than 1,000 drones and over 700 rockets at Israel over the past eight days, describing the attacks as an attempt to disrupt ongoing negotiations between Israel and Lebanon.

“It broke the ceasefire on March 2 and is now intent on denying the Lebanese people a path to peace and reconstruction,” the official said, adding that the Iran-backed group views the talks as “an existential threat”.

“A successful ceasefire led by the government of Lebanon would strip Hezbollah of their power and their narrative,” he said.