WHAT THE ISRAEL-LEBANON CONFLICT MEANS FOR THE US MILITARY
The Israel-Hamas war has been going on for nearly a year and ever since the attacks in October 2023 that threw the Middle East into a much more hostile state, things are still out of control. There are multiple sides trying to keep things contained but Israel-Lebanon relations continue to deteriorate. The two countries have a history that involves multiple wars and attacks from Israel are complicating things for people in the area, including American troops and citizens. Now, Israeli forces are bombing Lebanon, and the United States has prompted its citizens to leave the country.
Why Is Israel Bombing Lebanon?
Since Hamas began attacking Israel, the Middle East has been up in arms. Israel-Lebanon relations have taken a hit because of Hezbollah’s support for Palestinians, displacing around 100,000 Israeli citizens and firing thousands of missiles, rockets, etc. Hezbollah operates in Lebanon and is a terrorist group with strong backing from Iran with a strong presence near Israel’s northern border. As a result, Israel moved many of its residents but as the war against Hamas winds down, there is a push to bring the displaced Israelis back into their northern homes. To do so, Israel is shifting some of its focus on Hezbollah to try and push the group away while resettling its citizens.
The Effects on the US Military
An Israel-Lebanon war could have immediate and long-lasting effects on the US military, during a period in which de-escalation efforts are continued but failing. Israel bombing Lebanon has America’s largest ally expanding its attacks and bringing it closer to a more direct conflict involving Iran. The political aspects of these decisions, as well as the real-life casualties that will inevitably become a part of the conflicts, continue to capture American attention. More troops have already made their way to the Middle East as a result of the escalation between Lebanon and Israel. It’s unsure as to how many more American troops are joining the nearly 40,000 serving in the area; however, major decisions involving the USS Harry S. Truman and USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carriers, among others, are expected soon. Israel bombed Lebanon and the US is looking at keeping two carrier strike groups in the Middle East at a minimum. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has urged for a ceasefire, warning of the risk of a broader regional conflict while maintaining that the situation remains dangerous but not completely out of control just yet.
Is Lebanon at War With Israel?
Everything breaking out of the ongoing Israel and Lebanon news of attacks looks like a war but if one is ever formally declared will be another story. For example, Israel has carried out over 1,000 strikes in Lebanon to fight Hezbollah in just the latest example of attacks between the two since October 2023. Israel has also suggested that an invasion of Lebanon is possible if necessary. Meanwhile, Hezbollah has vowed to continue its attacks until Israel agrees to a ceasefire with its ally Hamas in Gaza. Doubling down on this sentiment, Hezbollah would respond on September 25, 2024, by firing a ballistic missile at Tel Aviv. Though intercepted by Israeli forces, Hezbollah has mentioned the strike was aiming for Mossad headquarters, Israel’s leading intelligence agency. This attack was based on revenge after blaming Israel for the recent targeted killings of its commanders and a bomb attack involving exploding pagers and communication devices that killed dozens and wounded thousands. Retaliations against Hezbollah in Lebanon by Israel have already begun with an attack on a missile launch site in the southern portion of the “Switzerland of the Middle East.” Whether or not there is a formal war may not matter. Israel-Lebanon relations are heading south, which may lead to American troops being in harm’s way throughout the Middle East. Suggested reads:
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