Following a call from Lebanese Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri to US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, the US government expressed concern about growing tensions on the Israeli-Lebanese border, emphasizing its support for Israel and warning Iran-supported Hezbollah of Lebanon to refrain from actions that threaten the security of Lebanon.
The conversation took place on Sunday after Israel and Hezbollah fired along the border with Lebanon, the Hariri office said.
A U.S. State Department official declined to speak about any diplomatic discussions, adding: “We are aware of these reports and are concerned about the escalating tensions along the border. The United States fully supports Israel’s right to self-defence.”
Concerns about a new war between Israel and Lebanon have flared in recent days after two drones crashed in Beirut’s southern suburbs, and anti-tank missiles were fired from Lebanon at an Israeli army base.
On Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel was prepared for any scenario, but he avoided his usually much tougher language toward Israel’s enemies.
The State Department official said Hezbollah should refrain from “hostile actions which threaten Lebanon’s security, stability, and sovereignty,” and suggested Iran had a hand in the violence.
“This is another example of the destabilizing role of Iranian proxies in undermining peace and security in the region,” the official said.