Politico reports that officials from the United States have expressed heightened concerns about the increasing threat posed by Lebanese Hezbollah militants. The worry extends beyond potential strikes on U.S. personnel in the Middle East to the unsettling possibility of attacks taking place within the borders of the United States. Initial assessments suggest that the Iran-backed Hezbollah may prioritize targeting American personnel in the Middle East before considering actions against U.S. troops or diplomatic staff abroad.
Insights from U.S. intelligence agencies, actively monitoring Hezbollah’s activities, indicate a contemplation of strikes against American interests overseas. The report links the growing likelihood of such audacious attacks to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, suggesting that rising tensions contribute to the overall risk. An anonymous official, quoted by Politico, emphasized the concerning potential of Hezbollah leveraging its capabilities to strategically place individuals for hostile actions. The gravity of the situation prompts a sense of apprehension.
“Hezbollah could draw on the capability they have … to put people [in] places to do something. It is something to be worried about,” one of the officials said.
All officials cited in the Politico report were granted anonymity to freely discuss the findings. The backdrop for these concerns stems from events that unfolded since Hamas initiated an attack on Israel on October 7 of the preceding year, triggering a conflict in the Gaza Strip. While critics of Israel’s response accused the nation of targeting civilians and even committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, there has been parallel criticism of the Biden administration. Some critics argue that the administration has not exerted sufficient pressure on Israel to pursue a cease-fire and bring a resolution to the violent conflict.
{Matzav.com}
