The US government on Sunday voiced concern about growing tensions on the Israeli-Lebanese border, underscoring its support for Israel and warning Lebanon's Iran-backed Hezbollah to refrain from actions that threatened the country's security.
Lebanon's Prime Minister Saad Hariri on Sunday called US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo after Israel and Hezbollah exchanged fire along the Lebanon border, Hariri's office said.
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A State Department official declined to speak about any diplomatic discussions, adding, "We are aware of these reports and are concerned about the escalating tensions along the border. The United States fully supports Israel's right to self-defense."
The State Department official said Hezbollah should refrain from "hostile actions which threaten Lebanon's security, stability, and sovereignty," and suggested Iran had a hand in the violence.
"This is another example of the destabilizing role of Iranian proxies in undermining peace and security in the region," the official said.
US President Donald Trump's special envoy to the Middle East, Jason Greenblatt, also expressed support for Israel and pointed an accusatory finger at Tehran.
"Missiles fired from Lebanon into Israel. Iran has proxies in Lebanon & Gaza that harm Israel, undermine chances for peace & threaten a better future for Palestinians. The US stands w/ Israel & fully supports its right to defend itself against all attacks," Greenblatt said on Twitter.
Meanwhile, Iran's state-run Islamic Republic News Agency quoted a senior Iranian security official as saying Hezbollah's policy is aimed at safeguarding the interests of Lebanon.
"Hezbollah enjoys significant popular support in Lebanon. … The Zionist regime's punishment by Hezbollah was a reciprocal measure that displayed the resistance front's determination to counter threats," said Ali Shamkhani.
Iran often refers to regional countries and forces opposed to Israel and the United States as a "resistance front."
