Israeli strikes kill Lebanese soldiers, sparking US worries
The US has expressed concerns over Israeli airstrikes in Beirut that killed three Lebanese soldiers, including an officer, during the evacuation of wounded people in southern Lebanon.
The incident has raised tensions between Israel and Lebanon, with Western nations, including the US, pushing for a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, as well as an end to hostilities in Gaza.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) continue to target Hezbollah strongholds in southern Lebanon, striking over 160 targets, including launchers and infrastructure, and killing 20 militants in the past day. The IDF’s actions have also resulted in strikes on the southern coastal city of Tyre and surrounding areas.
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US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke with his Israeli counterpart, emphasizing the need to ensure the safety of both the Lebanese army and UN peacekeepers.
Austin’s concerns highlight the US’s shift in stance, as expressed by US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller, who warned about the intensity of Israeli airstrikes in Beirut.
The situation remains volatile, with Lebanon’s army confirming the deaths of its soldiers and the IDF continuing its ground raids.
Meanwhile, the United Nations has said that the spillover of Israel’s regional wars into Syria is “alarming and could get much worse.”
The United Nations’ special envoy to Damascus told the UN Security Council that the escalation poses a serious threat to international peace and security.
“I want to issue a clear warning: regional spillover into Syria is alarming and could get much worse, with serious implications for Syria and international peace and security,” he added, saying the country needed “collective attention.”
