US backs 'limited' IDF offensive against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, builds up ‘force capability’ in Middle East to deter Iranian response

Following the announcement by the IDF early Tuesday morning that it had begun “limited, localized, and targeted ground raids based on precise intelligence against Hezbollah terrorist targets and infrastructure in southern Lebanon,” the U.S. government expressed its support for the move. 

The IDF said the aim of the limited military operations “are located in villages close to the border and pose an immediate threat to Israeli communities in northern Israel.” 

The White House National Security Council (NSC) expressed support for “limited operations to destroy Hezbollah infrastructure” but warned against “mission creep.”

“This is in line with Israel’s right to defend its citizens and safely return civilians to their homes,” the NSC spokesman told reporters. “We support Israel’s right to defend itself against Hezbollah and all Iranian-backed terror groups.” 

The NSC also reaffirmed U.S. President Joe Biden’s call for a “diplomatic resolution” to the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah forces.

“Of course, we know that mission creep can be a risk, and we will keep discussing that with the Israelis. And ultimately, a diplomatic resolution is the only way to achieve lasting stability and security across the Israel-Lebanon border.” 

Israel’s announcement that it had initiated limited ground raids into southern Lebanon came shortly after the U.S. confirmed it was increasing its military presence in the Middle East to deter Iran from escalating the situation, following weeks of intense IDF attacks on Hezbollah leadership and positions.

The enhanced U.S. military presence includes F-15, F-16, and A-10 warplanes, which played a key role in repelling an Iranian attack against Israel in April.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin affirmed his support for Israel’s operations in Lebanon in a post to 𝕏.

Stating that he had spoken with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, Austin’s tone appeared more supportive of Israel’s decision to deploy ground troops. 

“We agreed on the necessity of dismantling attack infrastructure along the border to ensure that Lebanese Hizballah cannot conduct October 7-style attacks on Israel’s northern communities,” Austin wrote. 

However, the defense secretary also noted the need for “a diplomatic resolution.” 

I spoke with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant today to discuss security developments and Israeli operations.   I made it clear that the United States supports Israel’s right to defend itself. We agreed on the necessity of dismantling attack infrastructure along the border…

— Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III (@SecDef) October 1, 2024

Iran's response to the IDF's weakening of Hezbollah and its military capabilities remains unclear.

On Monday, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kanani said the Iranian regime would not send forces to Lebanon or Gaza to help its proxies in their fight against Israel. 

However, Kanani also appeared to threaten Iranian retaliation, stating that Israel “will not remain without reprimand and punishment for the crimes it has committed against the Iranian people, military personnel and the resistance forces.” 

In a recent interview with ABC News, White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby said an Iranian retaliation is possible.

“The rhetoric certainly suggests that they’re going to try to do something,” he said.

“We have to be prepared for some sort of response,” Kirby noted, while also saying the U.S. has deployed “the force capability we need in the region.”