U.S. President and allies discuss Israel’s defense amid rising tensions

U.S. concerns comes in the wake of a dramatic escalation by Hezbollah, which launched a rocket attack on the Israeli military’s 146th Division headquarters in Ga’aton, Galilee.

U.S. President Joe Biden held a crucial call with key European allies—France, Germany, Italy, and the UK—to discuss the latest intelligence assessment regarding the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. The call focused on whether European nations would support Israel’s defense as they did in April, following a previous attack by Iran. While Biden indicated that this decision rests with the European allies, he assured that the United States remains committed to Israel’s security.

The situation has intensified over the past few days, with the U.S. bolstering its military presence in the region. President Biden expressed confidence in America’s capability to defend Israel should the situation escalate further. This move comes in the wake of a dramatic escalation by Hezbollah, which launched a rocket attack on the Israeli military’s 146th Division headquarters in Ga’aton, Galilee, on Monday. The assault, which targeted a significant Israeli military installation, is widely seen as a direct retaliation for the killing of senior Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in an Israeli airstrike on southern Lebanon.

As tensions rise, the Biden administration’s efforts to coordinate with European allies underline the complex geopolitical landscape surrounding Israel’s defense. The U.S. has made it clear that it will stand by Israel, but the involvement of European nations remains uncertain. The situation on the ground continues to evolve, with the potential for further conflict as both sides engage in military actions.

The call between President Biden and his European counterparts underscores the urgency of the situation, as the international community watches closely to see how these alliances will influence the outcome of the ongoing conflict.

Credit: Al Jazeera