US officials reiterated Monday evening that Washington recognizes Israel's right to self-defense in the event of a Hezbollah attack. The statement, reported by Israeli media, follows a day of diplomatic signaling amid ongoing regional tensions.
US officials have clarified Monday evening that if Hezbollah launches an attack against Israel, Washington recognizes and supports Israel's right to self-defense. The message, carried by Israeli outlets, reinforces the consistent American position articulated in recent days by multiple administration sources.
As The Zioneer reported earlier Monday, the White House had already briefed that an IDF withdrawal from southern Lebanon is not a precondition for any emerging US-Iran framework, and that Israel retains its self-defense rights. Sunday, a senior US official had similarly called on Hezbollah to cease fire while backing Israel's right to respond. Monday's clarification sharpens the tone, stating explicitly that an attack from Hezbollah would trigger Israel's defensive prerogative from Washington's perspective.
The statement comes amid a diplomatic backdrop: US and Iranian channels remain active over a possible framework, and Hezbollah has maintained a posture of conditional restraint since the ceasefire, warning it would respond if Israel operates in Lebanon. US military readiness has been publicly signaled, with Fox News reporting Wednesday that American forces are prepared to respond if Iran decides to strike back.
What remains unspoken in this particular message is whether Washington views any specific intelligence about an imminent Hezbollah attack, or whether this is a general restatement of policy. No change in US force posture has been reported in connection with tonight's statement.
- DevelopingUS Official: Washington Supports Israel's Right to Self-Defense, Calls on Hezbollah to Cease Fire
- DevelopingUS official: Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon not a condition for Iran deal, self-defense right retained
- StrongNetanyahu says Israel exercising self-defense rights in talks with Trump
- DevelopingSenior US official: no country will waive self-defense right due to Iran deal
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