The Biden Administration is supporting Israel’s operations against Iran-backed Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, with the goal of weakening the group and eventually pushing them away from the border with Israel. The administration believes that a weakened Hezbollah will pave the way for a new Lebanese president and marginalize the militants. The focus is on implementing UN resolution 1701, which was meant to create a buffer zone between Hezbollah and Israel, but was never fully enforced. The resolution aimed for Israeli forces to fully withdraw from Lebanon, with the Lebanese army and UN peacekeepers maintaining security in the south.
Hezbollah, with a vast arsenal of missiles and rockets, has continued to provoke Israel by launching attacks in solidarity with Hamas. Israel has responded with military campaigns in southern Lebanon, causing displacement and casualties on both sides. The Biden Administration is frustrated with the UN peacekeeping mission’s inability to prevent Hezbollah from hiding weapons along the border.
The situation in Lebanon is further complicated by political and economic crises, including hyperinflation, collapsed currency, and a vacant presidency. The ongoing conflict between Hezbollah, Israel, and Hamas has resulted in thousands of deaths and displaced millions of people. The Biden Administration is working to support Israel while also seeking a diplomatic solution to the conflict in southern Lebanon.
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