The top US general fears a wider regional conflict if Israel launches a full-scale attack on Lebanon.
The United States' top military officer has warned that an Israeli military offensive into Lebanon would risk an Iranian response in defence of the powerful Hezbollah militant group there, triggering a broader war that could put American forces in the region in danger.
US officials have tried to broker a diplomatic solution to the conflict. The issue is expected to come up this week as Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant visits Washington for meetings with US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin and other senior American officials. Asked if the US has changed its force posture in the region to better assure troops are protected, he said the safety of the force has been a priority all along and noted that no American bases have been attacked since February.
The situation escalated this month after an Israeli airstrike killed a senior Hezbollah military commander in southern Lebanon. Hezbollah retaliated by firing hundreds of rockets and explosive drones into northern Israel and Israel responded with a heavy assault on the militant group.Hezbollah claims it has 100,000 fighters under arms and other militant groups in the region have pledged support..
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