Hebrew Media: U.S. Requests Israel to Limit Response to Hezbollah's Attack

Hebrew media, citing Israeli sources, reported that Israel is under pressure from the United States to limit its response to Hezbollah's mortar attack yesterday and to refrain from attacking Beirut. The Times of Israel stated that the U.S. has asked Israel to avoid 'disproportionate responses.' Last night, the Israeli army launched a wave of airstrikes in Lebanon after two mortars were fired at the Dov Mountain area, marking the first such attacks since the ceasefire between Israel and the Iranian-backed Hezbollah group was implemented last week. The United States has also pressured Lebanon to ensure that Hezbollah does not escalate attacks and jeopardize the ceasefire. Hezbollah claimed that the mortars were fired in response to 'repeated violations' by Israel of the ceasefire agreement and stated that these mortars should serve as a 'preliminary warning' regarding Israeli military attacks in Lebanon during the ceasefire and the 'continuation of hostile violations of Lebanese airspace by Israeli aircraft.' John Kirby, the National Security Council's Strategic Communications Coordinator at the White House, downplayed the cross-border attacks by Israel and Hezbollah, stating that the ceasefire is 'largely holding.' Kirby, speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, said, 'Some sporadic attacks have occurred since the ceasefire was established, but this was to be expected.' He emphasized that the level of hostilities has significantly decreased compared to before the ceasefire. According to Kirby, the current ceasefire includes strengthening the existing enforcement mechanism that had previously addressed ongoing events. He explained that the current ceasefire involves enhancing the existing enforcement mechanism and added, 'A U.S. Army general has been dispatched to the U.S. Embassy in Beirut to collaborate with Amos Hochstein, the President's Special Envoy for Middle East Affairs, to oversee the implementation of the ceasefire.' Kirby noted that Israel and Lebanon remain committed to the ceasefire. However, the National Security Council's Strategic Communications Coordinator reminded that only a week has passed since the ceasefire was established, and further efforts are needed to ensure the strengthening of its enforcement mechanism. Israeli attacks on Gaza; at least 32 killed. Israel: A Hezbollah missile depot was destroyed; the first attack after the ceasefire. After Hezbollah accepted the ceasefire; Biden increases pressure on Hamas. Israel warns residents of southern Lebanon: Do not return for now. Blinken: The ceasefire in Lebanon will be influential in ending the war in Gaza.