The devastating rocket attack on the Golan Heights is fueling fears of a larger war in the region. The US government believes that such a scenario can be averted.
Given the escalating situation between Israel and the Lebanese Hezbollah, the US government is trying to de-escalate the situation. “We believe there is still time and space for a diplomatic solution,” said National Security Council Communications Director John Kirby.
With regard to Israel’s ongoing war against the Islamist Hamas in the Gaza Strip, he warned: “We do not want the war to escalate. We do not want a second front to be opened there in the north.” The US government had intensive discussions with various actors over the weekend. “After the discussions we have had, we do not believe that this has to lead to an escalation or a broader war.” Such a scenario is avoidable.
At least twelve children and young people were killed in an attack on the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights over the weekend. The Israeli government blames the Shiite militia Hezbollah, which is allied with Iran, and is preparing a retaliatory strike. The US government also attributed the attack to Hezbollah.
“The attack was carried out by the Lebanese Hezbollah, although it denies this,” Kirby said. The rocket was fired from an area controlled by the militia. He stressed that Israel has the right to defend itself and that the country has to decide for itself how to react. “But we do not believe that this attack over the weekend – as terrible as it was – has to lead to an escalation or a greater risk of war.” Predictions of such an escalation are exaggerated.
Source: Stern
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