The Biden administration has told Israel that an intentional or accidental attack on Lebanon’s armed forces is “unacceptable” out of concern that the conflict in the Middle East could escalate, according to a report.
US officials believe that since October 7 at least 34 Israeli strikes have hit areas where members of the Lebanese Armed Forces are present, resulting in eight injuries and one death, CNN reported on Friday.
“The United States has made it clear that we do not want to see this conflict spill over into Lebanon and we continue to urge Israel to do everything they can to target and avoid civilians, civilian infrastructure, civilian farmland, the UN, and the Lebanese Armed Forces. ,” a spokesperson for the White House National Security Council told the outlet.
“The United States is proud of its partnership with the LAF, a vital institution, not only for the stability and security of Lebanon, but the entire region,” the spokesman said.
The Israeli Defense Forces said the attacks on the Lebanese army came from small arms, artillery fire, drones and helicopters, according to CNN.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s armed forces have launched at least 34 attacks against the Lebanese Armed Forces since the Hamas attack on October 7. AP The Israel Defense Forces said the attacks on Lebanese forces came from small arms, artillery fire, drones and helicopters. WAEL HAMZEH/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
The Biden administration believes some of the attacks were accidental and intended to hit targets of the terrorist group Hezbollah. Hezbollah is supported by the Iranian regime and operates in Lebanon.
The intent of the other attack was “less clear,” a US official told CNN, pointing out that some Israeli soldiers did not show enough restraint with their fire.
“In response to Hezbollah’s aggression, the IDF attacked the terrorist organization’s military infrastructure and sought to eliminate any threat to the State of Israel,” IDF spokesman Nir Dinar told the media.
Smoke rises following an Israeli attack in Kafr Kila, Lebanon on Dec. 15, 2023. ZUMAPRESS.com
“Any harm to civilians and other forces is unintentional. Such incidents are reviewed to improve operational precautions and to ensure accountability where necessary.”
The US has spent more than $3 billion to fund, train and equip the Lebanese Armed Forces since 2006 with the goal of the military serving as a “stabilizing force against regional threats,” according to the State Department.
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
