US downplays concerns of escalation in Lebanon

The US has downplayed concerns about a potential Israeli offensive on southern Lebanon, saying being “ready” for military action is different than “conducting it”.

State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller made the comments when asked about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s warning of an operation in Lebanon.

“We don’t want to see that escalation of the conflict which would just lead to further loss of life from both Israelis and the Lebanese people and would greatly harm Israel’s overall security and stability in the region,” Miller said.

"Saying that they [Israel] are ready for military operation, if necessary, [is] different than saying that they have made a decision to conduct a military operation.

Israel’s ultra-right win National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said at today’s Jerusalem Flag March: “We send a message to Hamas: Jerusalem is ours. Damascus gate is ours. The Temple Mount is ours. With the hand of God, the full victory is ours.”