US works to prevent Israeli counterattack on Lebanon amid threat of all-out war

• The focus of Washington’s diplomacy has been to convince Tel Aviv to limit its retaliation, Reuters reported citing officials. This includes urging against strikes on densely populated areas like Beirut and its Hezbollah-dominated southern suburbs, as well as key infrastructure.

• Lebanese officials, including Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib and Deputy Parliament Speaker Elias Bou Saab, have publicly appealed for restraint and warned of potential consequences for Israel if it targets civilian areas.

• However, both acknowledged that an Israeli retaliation is likely. While expecting an Israeli attack, they expressed hope for a limited escalation on both sides.

  “Israel will escalate in a limited way and Hezbollah will respond in a limited way â€æ These are the assurances we’ve received,” Bou Habib said.

• The US, Lebanon, and Israel are engaged in intense diplomatic talks to contain the situation. However, two Western diplomats told Reuters that Israel has not committed to avoiding strikes on Beirut, its suburbs, or civilian targets.

• Meanwhile, Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian has warned that any Israeli attack on Lebanon would have “serious consequences” for the Jewish nation.

• Despite the heightened tensions, US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby downplayed the risk of all-out war. He also reaffirmed Washington’s “ironclad” support for Israel’s security against Iran-backed threats, including Hezbollah.

• Israel, meanwhile, has vowed a “harsh” response. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, “The state of Israel will not and cannot let this pass. Our response will come and it will be harsh.”

• Israel’s security cabinet authorised Netanyahu and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant to decide on the response to the Hezbollah strike. Gallant told US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin that Israel would hold the Lebaese group responsible for the attack.