Amid escalating violence along the Israeli-Lebanese border, senior White House aides will visit Israel on Monday for talks focused on preventing all-out war with Hezbollah, Biden administration officials said.
The official, who spoke to reporters on condition of anonymity, said Amos Hochstein would be spearheading the White House diplomatic efforts.
Hochstein, a longtime ally and advisor to President Biden, has represented U.S. interests in Lebanon on multiple occasions and played a key role in navigating complex negotiations between Israel, the Lebanese government and Hezbollah.
Recent media reports suggest that senior Biden administration officials have begun expressing serious concerns about the potential for escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah.
Last week, an Israeli airstrike killed a senior Hezbollah commander just six miles from the border. Following the death of Taleb Sami Abdullah, believed to be the militia's most senior leader killed in eight months of cross-border fighting, Hezbollah launched multiple rocket attacks into northern Israel.
Yesterday, IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari issued a statement in English saying Israel may be forced to respond with force.
“Hezbollah attacks have intensified and are on the brink of a broader escalation that could have devastating consequences for Lebanon and the entire region,” Haghari said.
