The United States has shifted its focus from reviving a potential ceasefire deal between Israel and Hezbollah to trying to shape and limit Israel’s military actions in Lebanon and against Iran, according to officials. After a US-led proposal for a ceasefire failed, there appears to be no immediate push to restart negotiations.
US officials indicate that despite efforts to halt the intensifying Israeli military campaign, which has claimed over 1,400 lives and displaced more than a million in under three weeks, Washington is now working to contain and influence Israeli actions rather than prevent them altogether. The Biden administration’s inability to curb Israel’s military operations in Lebanon has raised questions about the US’s influence, especially considering Israel’s similar disregard for calls for restraint in Gaza.
There is growing concern within the US government that what Israel initially described as a limited military campaign may expand into a prolonged and larger-scale conflict. Diplomatic efforts to mediate a ceasefire have stalled, both in Lebanon and in ongoing negotiations with Hamas.
US Tries to Limit Escalation
American officials have acknowledged that while the US persuaded Israel to scale back a planned larger incursion into Lebanon, their ability to influence Israel’s military decisions remains limited. As one senior official noted, while they couldn’t prevent Israeli military action, they are trying to shape its scope.
The proposed ceasefire, initially put forward by the US and France, aimed to pause hostilities for 21 days to allow civilians on both sides of the border to return home. The US supported Israel’s efforts to target Hezbollah militants but voiced concerns about the potential for the conflict to spiral into a longer-term engagement.
Limited Leverage Over Israel’s Iran Response
The US also faces challenges in influencing Israel’s response to a recent missile attack by Iran. While the US has cautioned Israel against a disproportionate retaliatory strike, it remains unclear whether those warnings have been heeded. President Joe Biden has expressed opposition to Israel striking Iran’s nuclear facilities, but it’s uncertain if that position has successfully deterred Israeli plans.
US officials hope that Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant’s visit to Washington may delay any major retaliatory actions against Iran, buying time for further consultations. However, some experts, such as former Israeli diplomat Alon Pinkas, argue that Israeli political dynamics may not align with this cautious approach.
Diplomatic Efforts Still on the Table
Despite the current lack of progress, the US maintains that diplomacy remains the only solution to the conflict. White House officials say they will continue consultations with both Israeli and Lebanese leaders in hopes of finding the right moment to push for a ceasefire agreement. However, some challenges remain, including the unclear state of leadership within Hezbollah following recent Israeli airstrikes, and Lebanon’s own political instability.
The conflict in Lebanon poses additional risks for the US, especially as Israeli airstrikes have targeted areas near Beirut’s main airport, potentially jeopardizing the safety of American citizens still in the region. US officials are in discussions with Israel to ensure that evacuation routes remain open for civilians, particularly access to the airport.
In the meantime, while the US supports Israel’s efforts to weaken Hezbollah, it continues to urge caution in minimizing civilian casualties, with Pentagon officials reminding Israel to take civilian safety into account during operations.
Conclusion
As the conflict continues, the US appears to be balancing its support for Israel’s security interests with its diplomatic efforts to limit the scale of the fighting. With ceasefire negotiations stalled, the Biden administration is working to ensure that Israel’s actions do not escalate further, while attempting to mitigate the humanitarian impact of the ongoing violence.
