US urges de-escalation in Israel-Hezbollah conflict while preparing for potential escalation

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The United States has called on Israel and Hezbollah to pursue a peaceful resolution amid rising tensions, while also preparing for the possibility of further escalations. The conflict has intensified in recent weeks, particularly after Israel signaled a renewed focus on its northern border with Lebanon. The situation escalated last week when Israel targeted Hezbollah's communications infrastructure, resulting in significant casualties for the group. This action was followed by airstrikes on missile sites and meetings of Hezbollah's leadership.

On Sunday, Hezbollah launched an attack on the Israeli city of Haifa, marking its farthest strike into Israeli territory to date. As tensions escalate, U.S. officials have emphasized the dire consequences of a full-scale war between Israel and Hezbollah. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan acknowledged the gravity of the situation, stating that there is a "real and acute" danger of a broader conflict erupting.

Hezbollah has indicated that a ceasefire would only be possible if the conflict in Gaza is resolved. National Security spokesman John Kirby confirmed that negotiations between Hamas and Israel have reached an impasse, contributing to the heightened tensions in the region. Kirby noted that the U.S. is working diligently to prevent the situation from escalating into an all-out war.

Officials from the United Kingdom and the European Union have echoed concerns about the humanitarian impact of a potential conflict. EU diplomat Josep Borrell remarked that civilians on both sides would suffer significantly in the event of a full-scale war and emphasized the need for renewed diplomatic efforts to avert such a scenario. This sentiment was mirrored by the United Nations, which warned of an imminent catastrophe if military solutions are pursued.

Israel maintains that its recent actions are not intended to provoke war but rather to achieve a form of "de-escalation through escalation." U.S. officials have acknowledged this strategy but highlighted the challenges involved in managing such a delicate balance, noting that the situation could quickly spiral out of control if not handled carefully.

As diplomatic efforts continue, the situation remains fluid, with stakeholders on all sides closely monitoring developments.