A high-ranking official from the Biden administration has conveyed that the United States does not perceive Hezbollah’s intent to open a new front against Israel following the reported assassination of Hamas deputy leader Saleh al-Arouri in Beirut by the IDF. The official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, indicates that there is no apparent inclination from Hezbollah to engage in war with Israel, and vice versa.
“I think from everything that we can tell, there is no clear desire from Hezbollah to go to war with Israel, and vice versa,” the senior administration official said.
While stopping short of justifying the alleged assassination, the senior official points out that the U.S. had placed a $5 million reward for information on Arouri, emphasizing the need for accountability among senior Hamas members.
In reference to the alleged assassination, the senior Biden official aligns with a statement from one of Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu’s spokespersons, suggesting that the attack specifically targeted Hamas figures and was not directed at the Iranian proxy or Lebanon as a whole. The official refrains from explicitly endorsing the alleged assassination but underscores the importance of holding senior Hamas members accountable.
Responding to queries about recent deadly explosions near the grave of former Quds Force chief Qassem Soleimani in Iran, the senior administration official draws a parallel with past attacks by the Islamic State. The official states, “That’s the going assumption at the moment,” when explaining the nature of the incident.
Regarding a joint statement against the Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen, the senior U.S. official outlined President Joe Biden’s motivation. “[He wanted to send] a very clear warning to the Houthis that they will bear the full consequences and responsibility for any further attacks against commercial vessels in the Red Sea. I would not anticipate another warning because this speaks very much for itself.”
{Matzav.com}
