US Warns Israel Against Entering War with Hezbollah

The Biden administration has privately urged Israel not to commence military operations against the Lebanese Hezbollah movement, as Washington works to prevent the ongoing war from spilling beyond Gaza's borders, two officials familiar with the matter told The Times of Israel on Wednesday.

Officials clarified that the U.S. acknowledges Israel's need to respond to Hezbollah's intensified targeting of its northern border, which began after Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7.

They added that the U.S. has warned Israel to exercise caution in its military responses to Hezbollah’s fire, explaining that a miscalculation by the Israel Defense Forces in Lebanon could lead to a much larger war.

Following the October 7 Hamas attack, Hezbollah has launched dozens of anti-tank guided missiles, shells, and drones toward Israeli military positions and cities while also sending militants to infiltrate Israel.

At least five Israeli soldiers, 13 Hezbollah members, and five others from Palestinian factions have been killed in the exchange of fire.