US and Europe Issue Stern Warnings to Hezbollah Amid Rising Tensions with Israel

[Social Media]

 

In an urgent bid to prevent the escalating violence between Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah from erupting into a broader Middle East conflict, American, European, and Arab officials have issued strong warnings to Hezbollah about overestimating its capabilities against Israel. This concerted diplomatic effort comes as cross-border hostilities intensify and hopes for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza remain elusive.

 

Hezbollah, significantly more powerful than Hamas but potentially overconfident in its strength, has been launching rockets and missiles into northern Israel since the deadly Hamas attacks on October 7. These attacks killed around 1,200 people, predominantly civilians, and resulted in the abduction of 251 others. Israel's retaliatory strikes have forced tens of thousands of civilians to flee from border areas in both countries. The violence has persisted, with recent escalations following Israel’s targeted killing of a senior Hezbollah commander and Hezbollah’s substantial missile barrages in response.

 

 

Amid these tensions, American and European officials are conveying to Hezbollah that it should not count on external powers, including the United States, to restrain Israel should it decide to launch a full-scale offensive into Lebanon. They are also cautioning Hezbollah not to overestimate its own military capabilities in the face of an Israeli assault. Gerald Feierstein, a former senior US diplomat in the Middle East, emphasized this message, stating, “Don’t think that you’re as capable as you think you are.” Despite a slight leveling off in hostilities over the past week, both Israel and Hezbollah continue to prepare for the possibility of a larger conflict. 

 

 

UN humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths has described the potential for an all-out war as "apocalyptic," underscoring the heavy casualties and widespread devastation that such a conflict could cause. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin recently reiterated the catastrophic implications of a war between Israel and Hezbollah, noting that it could easily escalate into a regional war with severe consequences for the Middle East. During a recent meeting with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant at the Pentagon, Austin stated, “Such a war would be a catastrophe for Lebanon.” Gallant, acknowledging the gravity of the situation, responded, “We are working closely together to achieve an agreement, but we must also discuss readiness on every possible scenario.”

 

 

The Biden administration has underscored to Israel that opening a second front in its ongoing conflict is not in its best interest. This point was reiterated to Gallant during his talks in Washington with Secretary of State Antony Blinken, CIA Director William Burns, National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, and others. White House National Security Spokesman John Kirby affirmed, “We’re going to continue to help Israel defend itself; that’s not going to change. But as for a hypothetical — specifically with respect to the northern border line… again, we want to see no second front opened, and we want to see if we can’t resolve the tensions out there through diplomatic processes.” Despite these efforts, White House officials are not ruling out the possibility of a second front in the Mideast conflict. 

 

 

In addition to American efforts, the French, with their historical ties to Lebanon, along with other Europeans, Qataris, and Egyptians, are actively mediating to de-escalate the situation. White House officials have blamed Hezbollah for the heightened tensions and have reiterated their support for Israel’s right to self-defense. Senior Biden administration officials have expressed frustration with Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah’s stance, which suggests that Israel could end Hezbollah attacks by agreeing to a ceasefire with Hamas in Gaza. However, the administration acknowledges that a ceasefire in Gaza could significantly reduce tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border.

 

 

President Biden introduced a three-phase plan four weeks ago aimed at leading to an extended truce and the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners. However, negotiations between Israel and Hamas have stalled. A senior Biden administration official mentioned that the US has presented new language to Egyptian and Qatari intermediaries in an effort to restart the negotiations. The official, speaking anonymously, emphasized the importance of a ceasefire in Gaza to achieving broader regional stability.

 

Randa Slim, a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute, noted that while there is hope that Israel’s planned wind-down of major combat operations in Gaza’s southern city of Rafah and other areas could lead Hezbollah to temper its attacks, any temporary calm on the Lebanon-Israel border is insufficient without a ceasefire in Gaza. "Without a ceasefire in Gaza, any temporary calm on the Lebanon-Israel border is not enough," Slim said.

 

As the international community works tirelessly to mediate and prevent a larger conflict, the situation remains precarious. Hezbollah, with its substantial arsenal of approximately 150,000 rockets and missiles capable of striking anywhere in Israel, poses a significant threat. Meanwhile, Israeli leaders have vowed to respond with devastating force if a full-blown war erupts. The potential for a wider regional conflict looms large, with significant implications for the Middle East and beyond.

 

Credit: TOI 2024-07-01

 

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[Dionigi]

Why is the UN not working to stop the attacks from Hezbollah as per its ruling. That is why there are UN troops in Lebanon.

[retarius]

Why when Israel threatens to invade another sovereign country, and the defenders of the country respond with threats, why does the EU and US issue stern threats to Hezbollah? 

[thesetat2013]

World War 3 coming soon to an area near you.

[transam]

2 minutes ago, retarius said:

Why when Israel threatens to invade another sovereign country, and the defenders of the country respond with threats, why does the EU and US issue stern threats to Hezbollah? 

You support terrorist nations, then...?  🤔

[Bkk Brian]

2 minutes ago, retarius said:

Why when Israel threatens to invade another sovereign country, and the defenders of the country respond with threats, why does the EU and US issue stern threats to Hezbollah? 

Hezbollah should just be allowed to carry on firing 100's of rockets into Israel with no consequences?

[thaipo7]

Dionigi - You think the UN is pro Israel?  Since Biden is not providing Israel with the weapons and ammo that it needs, maybe Hezbollah thinks Biden will do the same to Israel against them.  Biden says he is only holding on to 2,000 pound bombs that Israel would use against civilians.  BS.  Biden now needs the River to the Sea voters in MI.  Biden and Blinken have no heart for Israel.  They are also slow walking ammo, especially tank artillery too.  Don't believe what they say.  Plus Biden is always on the wrong side of history.  Many times over his 50 years in US Government.

[thaipo7]

8 minutes ago, retarius said:

Why when Israel threatens to invade another sovereign country, and the defenders of the country respond with threats, why does the EU and US issue stern threats to Hezbollah? 

You don't know Hezbollah is sitting on well over 100,000 missiles?  You don't know Hezbollah has been firing hundreds of missiles per day into Israel for months now?  You don't know how many Israelites have been relocated to safer areas?  They are just supposed to take this with no response?

[NowNow]

5 minutes ago, thaipo7 said:

You don't know Hezbollah is sitting on well over 100,000 missiles?  You don't know Hezbollah has been firing hundreds of missiles per day into Israel for months now?  You don't know how many Israelites have been relocated to safer areas?  They are just supposed to take this with no response?

 

Israelis, not Israelites. Don't write nonsense. 

[NowNow]

13 minutes ago, thaipo7 said:

Dionigi - You think the UN is pro Israel?  Since Biden is not providing Israel with the weapons and ammo that it needs, maybe Hezbollah thinks Biden will do the same to Israel against them.  Biden says he is only holding on to 2,000 pound bombs that Israel would use against civilians.  BS.  Biden now needs the River to the Sea voters in MI.  Biden and Blinken have no heart for Israel.  They are also slow walking ammo, especially tank artillery too.  Don't believe what they say.  Plus Biden is always on the wrong side of history.  Many times over his 50 years in US Government.

 

More nonsense. Israel did use them against civilians and the U.S. has supplied them with at least 14,000 2,000lbs bombs.

 

Reuters stated that the US military had transferred at least 14,000 of the MK-84 2,000-lb bombs, 6,500 500-lb bombs, 3,000 Hellfire precision-guided air-to-ground missiles, 1,000 bunker-buster bombs, 2,600 air-dropped small-diameter bombs, and other munitions, according to US officials who were not authorized to speak publicly.

A recent US shipment of bombs to Israel was allegedly delayed due to the inclusion of 2,000-lb bombs within it. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released a video harshly criticizing the White House for the delay.

A US official told Axios the White House's "main concern from day one was the Israeli use of the 2,000-lb bombs in Gaza, which the administration thought was inappropriate."

In October, Israel dropped a 2,000-lb bomb in the center of the crowded Jabaliya refugee camp, killing some 120 people.

 

https://www.reuters.com/world/us-has-sent-israel-thousands-2000-pound-bombs-since-oct-7-2024-06-28/

[NowNow]

22 minutes ago, Bkk Brian said:

Hezbollah should just be allowed to carry on firing 100's of rockets into Israel with no consequences?

 

Israel should be allowed to murder ten of thousands of Palestinians with no consequence?

[Bkk Brian]

4 minutes ago, NowNow said:

 

Israel should be allowed to murder ten of thousands of Palestinians with no consequence?

Stop making things up. Do you know what murder even is? Perhaps a link is needed to your claim. 

 

Back on topic. Hezbollah is backed, trained and armed by Iran.

[MalcolmB]

38 minutes ago, retarius said:

Why when Israel threatens to invade another sovereign country, and the defenders of the country respond with threats, why does the EU and US issue stern threats to Hezbollah? 

Religious reasons.

[MalcolmB]

4 minutes ago, Bkk Brian said:

Back on topic. Hezbollah is backed, trained and armed by Iran.

IDF backed and armed by the USA.

[NowNow]

4 minutes ago, Bkk Brian said:

Stop making things up. Do you know what murder even is? Perhaps a link is needed to your claim. 

 

Back on topic. Hezbollah is backed, trained and armed by Iran.

 

We both know that no matter what source to which I link, you will attempt to dismiss and deflect. It's your MO.

 

https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/gaza-death-toll-nears-37-900-as-israel-kills-43-more-palestinians/3262120

 

https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/gaza-ministry-says-34535-palestinians-killed-israeli-strikes-since-oct-7-2024-04-30/

 

https://www.npr.org/2024/02/29/1234159514/gaza-death-toll-30000-palestinians-israel-hamas-war

 

Take your pick. I expect you will try to dismiss, diminish and deflect. Heartless and uncaring.

 

 

 

 

 

[Bkk Brian]

Just now, NowNow said:

 

We both know that no matter what source to which I link, you will attempt to dismiss and deflect. It's your MO.

 

https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/gaza-death-toll-nears-37-900-as-israel-kills-43-more-palestinians/3262120

 

https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/gaza-ministry-says-34535-palestinians-killed-israeli-strikes-since-oct-7-2024-04-30/

 

https://www.npr.org/2024/02/29/1234159514/gaza-death-toll-30000-palestinians-israel-hamas-war

 

Take your pick. I expect you will try to dismiss, diminish and deflect. Heartless and uncaring.

 

You accused Israel of murdering ten of thousands of Palestinians. I have yet to see a link for that, as for numbers of those allegedly killed:

 

Discrepancies in Gaza Casualty Figures: An Analysis of Hamas Data By Associated Press

UN Cuts Death of Women and Children in Gaza by Half

Hamas admits one-third of its data on Gazan deaths is ‘incomplete’

Scrutiny Over Gaza Death Toll Figures: UK Statistics Watchdog Investigates Hamas's Data

How the Gaza Ministry of Health Fakes Casualty Numbers

[NowNow]

12 minutes ago, Bkk Brian said:

Stop making things up. Do you know what murder even is? Perhaps a link is needed to your claim. 

 

Back on topic. Hezbollah is backed, trained and armed by Iran.

 

the unlawful premeditated killing of one human being by another.

 

kill (someone) unlawfully and with premeditation.

 

Yes, I do.

[NowNow]

1 minute ago, Bkk Brian said:

You accused Israel of murdering ten of thousands of Palestinians. I have yet to see a link for that, as for numbers of those allegedly killed:

 

Discrepancies in Gaza Casualty Figures: An Analysis of Hamas Data By Associated Press

UN Cuts Death of Women and Children in Gaza by Half

Hamas admits one-third of its data on Gazan deaths is ‘incomplete’

Scrutiny Over Gaza Death Toll Figures: UK Statistics Watchdog Investigates Hamas's Data

How the Gaza Ministry of Health Fakes Casualty Numbers

 

Ok, so let's remove 1/3 and make it 20,000+. That's still ten of thousands isn't it? 

[Bkk Brian]

Just now, NowNow said:

 

Ok, so let's remove 1/3 and make it 20,000+. That's still ten of thousands isn't it? 

Then the 15,000 Hamas terrorists killed and I am still waiting for a link to your claim of Israel murdering all the rest

[transam]

3 minutes ago, NowNow said:

 

Ok, so let's remove 1/3 and make it 20,000+. That's still ten of thousands isn't it? 

Tel me any war that has not had civilians caught up in it..?  🤔

 

Take your time, oh, and let me know where you come from for a comparison...🤗

[NowNow]

1 minute ago, Bkk Brian said:

Then the 15,000 Hamas terrorists killed and I am still waiting for a link to your claim of Israel murdering all the rest

 

Nice try.

"According to the Times of Israel, the latest revision would bring the ratio of combatants to civilians killed in the conflict to nearly 1:1. “Either way, the number would be historically low for modern urban warfare,” West Point’s urban war studies chair John Spencer wrote in late March."

 

So even the Times of Israel admit that means at least 15,000 civilians.

 

UN says total number of deaths in Gaza remains unchanged after controversy over revised data

The United Nations on Monday clarified that the overall number of fatalities in Gaza tallied by the Ministry of Health in Gaza remains unchanged, at more than 35,000, since the war broke out between Israel and Hamas on October 7.

The number was reduced because the UN says it is now relying on the number of deceased women and children whose names and other identifying details have been fully documented, rather than the total number of women and children killed. The ministry says bodies that arrive at hospitals get counted in the overall death count.

https://edition.cnn.com/2024/05/13/middleeast/death-toll-gaza-fatalities-un-intl-latam/index.html

[Bkk Brian]

Just now, NowNow said:

 

Nice try.

"According to the Times of Israel, the latest revision would bring the ratio of combatants to civilians killed in the conflict to nearly 1:1. “Either way, the number would be historically low for modern urban warfare,” West Point’s urban war studies chair John Spencer wrote in late March."

 

So even the Times of Israel admit that means at least 15,000 civilians.

 

UN says total number of deaths in Gaza remains unchanged after controversy over revised data

The United Nations on Monday clarified that the overall number of fatalities in Gaza tallied by the Ministry of Health in Gaza remains unchanged, at more than 35,000, since the war broke out between Israel and Hamas on October 7.

The number was reduced because the UN says it is now relying on the number of deceased women and children whose names and other identifying details have been fully documented, rather than the total number of women and children killed. The ministry says bodies that arrive at hospitals get counted in the overall death count.

https://edition.cnn.com/2024/05/13/middleeast/death-toll-gaza-fatalities-un-intl-latam/index.html

Did you note the other 5 topics on numbers even from AFP?

 

You came on here making a wild claim, you have still not provided a link to that, where is it?

[Social Media]

Post removed for contravening our community standards. No personal attacks, please ensure you also provide links to any claims made if asked for them @NowNow

 

"Any alleged factual claims must be supported by a valid link to an approved credible source."

 

Topic is: US and Europe Issue Stern Warnings to Hezbollah Amid Rising Tensions with Israel

 

Not numbers of those killed in Gaza, there are numerous other topics on that.

 

 

[Greenhill]

5 hours ago, MalcolmB said:

IDF backed and armed by the USA.

I know which one I'd rather be backed by!!!

[Cryingdick]

Don't?

[impulse]

Stern warning...

Let me guess.

"Don't" ?

[thaibeachlovers]

On 7/1/2024 at 8:37 AM, Social Media said:

In an urgent bid to prevent the escalating violence between Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah from erupting into a broader Middle East conflict, American, European, and Arab officials have issued strong warnings to Hezbollah about overestimating its capabilities against Israel.

Ooh, that'll scare them for sure!

 

Anyway, israel hasn't managed to defeat Hamas armed with not much more than AK47s and RPGs in 8 months, so tell us more about israeli capabilities against a far better armed adversary?

[Hanaguma]

41 minutes ago, thaibeachlovers said:

Ooh, that'll scare them for sure!

 

Anyway, israel hasn't managed to defeat Hamas armed with not much more than AK47s and RPGs in 8 months, so tell us more about israeli capabilities against a far better armed adversary?

Well, that is because the IDF is being remarkablly restrained in how it conducts operations.  Given the firepower available, they could have turned Gaza into a parking lot in 48 hours.  But they chose to be humanitarian and sensitive and do all they can to avoid civilian casualties. Remember, the war would end tomorrow if Hamas surrendered and returned the hostages.

 

As for Hezbollah, nothing would be better than seeing the IDF and the USN stomp a mudhole through them.  

[Greenhill]

20 hours ago, thaibeachlovers said:

Ooh, that'll scare them for sure!

 

Anyway, israel hasn't managed to defeat Hamas armed with not much more than AK47s and RPGs in 8 months, so tell us more about israeli capabilities against a far better armed adversary?

More nonsense.   The main reason why Israel has not defeated Hamas in 8 months is due to their regard for civilian casualties - which they have tried to keep to a minimum.    Don't you think Israel is capable of carpet-bombing Gaza if it had no consideration for civilians.

[Cryingdick]

I am not sure our current admin in the USA is going to say that much about anything now.