The Biden administration has told Israel that intentional or inadvertent attacks on Lebanon’s armed forces are “unacceptable” over fears that the conflict in the Middle East could expand, 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 were present, resulting in eight injuries and one death, CNN reported Friday.
“The United States has made it clear that we do not want this conflict to spread to Lebanon and we continue to urge the Israelis to do everything possible to be attacked and avoid civilians, civilian infrastructure, civilian farmlands, 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 Lebanese Armed Forces, an institution essential not only to the stability and security of Lebanon, but of the entire region,” the spokesperson said.
The alleged Israel Defense Forces attacks against the Lebanese army come from small arms, artillery fire, drones and helicopters, according to CNN.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s military has launched at least 34 attacks against the Lebanese Armed Forces since the October 7 Hamas attack. AP The alleged attacks by the Israel Defense Forces against the Lebanese army come from small arms, artillery fire, drones and helicopters. WAEL HAMZEH/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
The Biden administration believes some of the attacks were accidental and aimed at hitting targets of the terrorist group Hezbollah. Hezbollah is backed by the Iranian regime and operates in Lebanon.
The intent of other attacks is “less clear,” a US official told CNN, suggesting that some Israeli troops are not showing enough restraint with their fire.
“In response to Hezbollah’s aggression, the IDF attacks the terrorist organization’s military infrastructure and works to eliminate any threat to the State of Israel,” IDF spokesman Nir Dinar told the outlet.
Smoke rises after an Israeli bombing in Kafr Kila, Lebanon, December 15, 2023. ZUMAPRESS.com
“Any harm to civilians and other forces is unintentional. Such incidents are reviewed to improve operational precautions and ensure accountability where necessary.”
The United States has spent more than $3 billion to fund, train and equip the Lebanese Armed Forces since 2006 with the goal of having the military serve as “a stabilizing force against regional threats,” according to the State Department.
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Source: vtt.edu.vn