Senior U.S. officials have assured Israel that Washington is prepared to “fully back” its ally in the event of a further escalation on the northern border, CNN reported on Friday, citing a Biden administration official.
The Biden administration would offer Israel the security assistance it needs to fight Hezbollah, the senior official stated, adding, however, that the U.S. would not deploy American troops on the ground in such a scenario.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant took off for Washington overnight Saturday for meetings with top U.S. officials.
“The United States is our most important and central ally,” said Gallant shortly ahead of his departure. He said the Israel Defense Forces was transitioning to “Phase 3” of its war against Hamas in Gaza, hinting that the heavy fighting would soon wind down and the military would switch to more targeted raids.
This will “enable additional things,” said the defense minister, possibly referring to a military campaign against Hezbollah in the north, “and I know that we will achieve close cooperation with the U.S. on this issue as well.”
Hezbollah overnight Saturday threatening to wage war against Israel “with no restraints.”
In a video message, Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah said, “In case an inclusive war is imposed on Lebanon, the resistance will fight without restraints, without rules, without limits.”
