US national security adviser Jake Sullivan has warned of the real risk of escalation between Israel and Hezbollah, emphasizing that the threat is currently more acute. Sullivan expressed concerns about the capabilities of Lebanese Hezbollah following recent events but noted that a more thorough assessment is needed to determine the extent of the impact on their ability to pose a threat to Israel.
Regarding the recent Israeli strike in southern Beirut that resulted in the deaths of high-level Hezbollah commanders, Sullivan refrained from labeling it as an escalation. He emphasized that the focus should be on preventing a wider war and expressed hope that the situation does not deteriorate further.
The strike targeted Ibrahim Aqil, a senior Hezbollah figure with alleged involvement in attacks that claimed American lives. Aqil, who led an elite unit within Hezbollah, had a significant bounty on his head from the United States for his suspected role in the 1983 bombing of the US Embassy in Beirut and the subsequent attack on the Beirut Marine barracks.
The incident has raised concerns about the potential for increased tensions in the region and the possibility of further violence. Sullivan's remarks underscore the delicate balance of power and the need for careful diplomacy to prevent a broader conflict.
