The United States on Sunday (July 28) condemned the rocket attacks launched by Hezbollah in Lebanon towards the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. The attack resulted in the deaths of 12 children and teenagers on a soccer field, prompting retaliatory strikes from Israel.
According to Reuters, Israel also accused Hezbollah of carrying out the attack and vowed to strongly retaliate against this Iranian-backed organization. However, Hezbollah denied responsibility for the incident that occurred on Saturday.
Since Hamas’ incursion into Israel on October 7 last year, igniting a war in the Gaza Strip, the situation in the Middle East has remained tense. The latest attack on Saturday, believed to be launched by Hezbollah supporting Hamas, has raised concerns of a wider conflict erupting in the region.
The White House issued a statement on Sunday, stating, “This attack was carried out by Hezbollah in Lebanon. These are their rockets launched from areas under their control.”
The White House also mentioned that since the incident occurred, the U.S. government has been in discussions with officials from Israel and Lebanon regarding this “terrible” attack.
While condemning Hezbollah’s provocative actions, the U.S. is actively taking steps to prevent further escalation of the situation.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated on Sunday that he does not want to see the conflict escalate along Israel’s northern border and reiterated U.S. support for Israel.
Blinken, who is currently visiting Japan, said in a press conference in Tokyo, “I emphasize that Israel has the right to defend its citizens, and we are determined to ensure that they can do so. But we also do not want to see the conflict escalate. We do not want to see the conflict spread.”
The White House mentioned that the U.S. is working towards seeking a diplomatic solution to end the conflict on the Israel-Lebanon border.
Blinken expressed his sorrow over the loss of lives in this attack, noting that reaching a ceasefire agreement in Gaza would help ease tensions along the border between Israel and Lebanon.
“We must help de-escalate this conflict, not only to prevent further escalation or spread of the conflict but also to resolve it as there are many displaced people in both Israel and Lebanon,” Blinken said.
U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer expressed agreement with Blinken’s statements. In an interview with CBS News on Sunday, Schumer said, “Israel has every right to defend itself against Hezbollah just as it does against Hamas.”
“I don’t think anyone wants to see a larger war happen. Therefore, I hope there can be steps taken to de-escalate the situation,” Schumer added.
Following the attack on Saturday, tensions in the Middle East have escalated once again. The Israeli Defense Forces stated in a release on Sunday that a few hours after the attack, the Israeli Air Force struck a series of Hezbollah terror targets in the depth of Lebanese territory and in southern Lebanon.
The statement mentioned that the attack targeted “weapon storage sites” and “terrorist infrastructure” in the Chabriha, Borj El Chmali, Beqaa, Kfarkela, Rab El Thalathine, Khiam, and Tayr Harfa areas.