The recent Israeli killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut has raised concerns about the potential for a full-scale war in the Middle East. The US President Joe Biden's administration has been working to prevent such a scenario, according to current and former US officials.
Experts and officials are warning that the situation could quickly escalate. Hezbollah is expected to retaliate, with Iran likely playing a role in the conflict. The US military has noted Iran's growing concern over the damage inflicted on Hezbollah by Israel.
There are fears that Iran may intervene if Hezbollah faces significant losses. Israel's operations have already weakened Hezbollah by removing hundreds of fighters from the battlefield.
While Hezbollah's leadership has previously sought to avoid all-out war with Israel, the killing of Nasrallah has changed the dynamics. The group's members are pushing for a more aggressive response, which could impact its credibility among supporters.
The Israeli strike signals a willingness to engage in broader conflict and indicates a rejection of ceasefire proposals supported by the US. This development makes negotiations with Hezbollah less likely in the near future.
