Biden believes he reached agreement on limited ground operation in Lebanon
Washington (Quds News Network)- US President Joe Biden believes his administration has reached an agreement with Israel to limit the scope of its planned ground invasion in southern Lebanon, according to sources cited by Axios. The operation is allegedly expected to focus solely on border areas, avoiding a larger-scale conflict reminiscent of the 2006 Lebanon War.
Two sources with knowledge of the discussions revealed that the White House is confident it has influenced Israel’s military planning to keep the operation geographically contained. However, a senior Israeli official clarified that Israel’s initial plans were always intended to be limited, indicating that US involvement may have reinforced rather than changed Israel’s objectives.
While the agreement focuses on keeping the operation within specific boundaries, US officials have expressed concerns about the potential for escalation. Historically, limited operations in Lebanon have grown into prolonged assaults. The Biden administration has warned Israel that an extended invasion could bolster Hezbollah’s support among ordinary Lebanese citizens and destabilize the region.
President Biden himself signaled his cautious stance on Monday, stating, “I’m comfortable with [Israel] stopping,” while calling for a ceasefire to prevent further escalation. US officials have made it clear that an extended operation could fuel public support for Hezbollah, according to Axios.
In line with the White House’s understanding, Israel’s cabinet formally approved a limited ground operation during a meeting on Monday, according to Israeli media. The invasion is set to target areas near the border with Lebanon and avoid deeper incursions into Lebanese territory.
