Hezbollah, a Lebanese militant group, claimed responsibility for targeting an Israeli military intelligence base near Tel Aviv, according to AFP.
The group stated that it launched a “salvo of rockets” at the Glilot military intelligence unit 8200 base, located on the outskirts of Tel Aviv. Meanwhile, the U.S. cautioned Israel against striking Beirut’s airport or surrounding roads, as Israeli forces conducted intense operations against Hezbollah in southern Beirut. U.S. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller emphasized the importance of keeping the Beirut airport and its access routes open to allow American citizens and others to evacuate. Over the past week, the U.S. has been chartering flights to facilitate the departure of its citizens amid escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah. So far, around 900 people have used these flights, with 8,500 Americans inquiring about evacuation options.
Israel’s military campaign, which began as a response to a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, has since expanded from Gaza to Hezbollah strongholds in Lebanon. While the U.S. supports Israel’s military efforts against Hezbollah, it also expressed concern about the possibility of Israel prolonging its military presence, which has happened in the past. The US supports Israel’s offensive against Hezbollah, Miller said.
But, he added, “we are very cognizant of the many times in the past where Israel has gone in on what looked like limited operations and has stayed for months or for years. “And ultimately, that’s not the outcome that we want to see.
Though the U.S. has previously voiced concerns over civilian deaths in Gaza, President Biden has also criticized some of Israel’s actions, describing them as “over the top.” However, the U.S. policy of supporting Israel’s military actions remains unchanged.
