Biden's Envoy Warns Hassan Nasrallah: If Hezbollah's Attacks Continue, the U.S. Cannot Stop Israel

Amos Hochstein, special envoy of Joe Biden, President of the United States in the Middle East, warned Lebanese officials last week that if Hezbollah continues its attacks, his country cannot prevent an Israeli strike. Axios news reported that Hochstein was in Lebanon last week and called for an 'immediate' reduction in the exchange of fire between Hezbollah and Israel, which has continued since the onset of the Gaza war. He also visited Israel and spoke in Jerusalem with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and opposition leaders. During his meeting with Nabih Berri, the Speaker of the Lebanese Parliament and an ally of Hezbollah, Hochstein called for a message to be sent to Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of this Iran-backed group, indicating that the U.S. cannot control Israel. According to Axios, he advised Hezbollah to negotiate indirectly with Israel instead of escalating border tensions. A diplomat stated that Hezbollah sent messages after the envoy's visit to the U.S., indicating the group's capabilities to inflict serious blows on Israel, although it clarified that it is not seeking war. The Axios report adds that U.S. officials are also concerned that with the ongoing conflict in Gaza, the likelihood of war between Israel and Hezbollah increases. This situation is likely to inflame regional tensions and draw the United States deeper into the conflict. Hochstein stated during his visit last week, 'It is in everyone's interest to end this conflict now. We believe there is a diplomatic way to do this, provided both sides agree.' Meanwhile, two senior aides to Netanyahu were in Washington this week to discuss a diplomatic solution to prevent further escalation of tensions. Axios quotes an American official saying that Biden's advisors told Tzachi Hanegbi, National Security Advisor, and Ron Dermer, Minister of Strategic Affairs, that in the event of war, Washington would fully support Israel, as Hezbollah intends to show solidarity with its ally Hamas in Gaza. Following the October 7 Hamas terrorist attack, Hezbollah-led forces have attacked Israeli gatherings and military posts along the border almost daily. This Iran-backed militant group has stated it will not cease attacks until a ceasefire is established in Gaza. Both Hezbollah and the Palestinian group Hamas are supported by the Iranian government. Hezbollah's attacks on Israel this month have intensified following the killing of a senior official of this group in an Israeli army attack, raising international concerns about the expansion of war in the Middle East.