According to ABC News, small-scale operations or "border movements" into Lebanon to neutralize Hezbollah positions along the border have either begun or are imminent, two US officials have reported. While Israel appears prepared for a ground operation, a final decision has not yet been made, the officials stated.
If a ground operation does occur, its scope is likely to be limited, sources indicated. The primary objective is to fulfill the promise to Israelis that the tens of thousands displaced from northern Israel will be able to return home safely. The officials emphasized that merely decapitating Hezbollah's leadership would not be sufficient to achieve this goal.
The assassination of Hassan Nasrallah on Friday caught US officials off guard, with only "a few minutes notice" given before the operation, according to the sources. This lack of advance warning reportedly caused frustration among US officials, who felt unprepared for potential hostile responses to the assassination.
One official noted that there is currently tolerance for Israel's actions, but warned that US "interests in the region could be badly harmed" if American officials lose their lines of communication with their Israeli counterparts. The sources revealed that Nasrallah, up until his death, had insisted on linking any Hezbollah ceasefire to a cessation of hostilities in Gaza.
The officials stressed that diplomacy remains the only viable long-term solution to the conflict, even if military action sets the stage for negotiations. This stance underscores the complex nature of the situation and the delicate balance between military operations and diplomatic efforts.
Responding to reports about Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's reaction to the assassination, the officials acknowledged the risks borne by the United States in the region. They expressed displeasure at the limited notice given to prepare for potential repercussions following Nasrallah's death.
