CNN Reports: U.S. Criticizes Israel for Over 30 Assaults on Lebanese Military

Over the past two months, Israel’s military has launched numerous attacks near the border with Lebanon, targeting the Lebanese Army. This series of assaults, totaling over 34 instances since October 7, has raised serious concerns within the Biden administration, leading to stern admonitions from top U.S. officials to their Israeli counterparts, as reported by CNN.

The attacks, which involved various methods such as small arms, artillery fire, drones, and helicopters, were detailed by U.S. officials, a regional security source, and a list compiled and reviewed by the U.S. The Biden administration has communicated to Israel that these strikes are unacceptable. A high-ranking U.S. official indicated that while some of these strikes may have been accidental, targeting Hezbollah instead, the intent behind others remains ambiguous. Concerns were raised about the lack of restraint possibly shown by lower-ranking Israeli troops.

The extent of these incidents, not previously widely reported, has been a source of frustration for U.S. officials. They believe that the Lebanese Army must be a part of any long-term diplomatic resolution to the ongoing violence between Israel and Lebanon.

Amid fears that the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza could spread to Lebanon’s border, U.S. officials have been engaging with both Israel and Lebanon to try to contain the war. A White House National Security Council spokesperson emphasized the importance of avoiding conflict spread to Lebanon, urging Israel to be precise in its actions and avoid civilian casualties and infrastructure.

The Israeli army, responding to the incidents, stated that any harm caused to other forces was unintentional and occurred in response to Hezbollah’s aggression. Spokesperson Nir Dinar explained that the Israeli Defense Forces aim to neutralize threats to Israel and ensure no harm to civilians and other forces, with a commitment to review and improve operational procedures.

The U.S. supports the Lebanese Army as a key regional partner, seeing it as an essential element in counterterrorism efforts and a potential major player in any future peace negotiations. While not viewed as a perfect counterbalance to Hezbollah, the Lebanese Army is considered a neutral force with significant public support in Lebanon.

U.S. officials believe that since October 7, Israel’s attacks on the Lebanese military have caused at least eight injuries and one fatality. Notable incidents include the death of a Lebanese soldier and injuries to three others on December 5, following an Israeli tank shell strike. The Israeli military apologized, stating that the Lebanese Armed Forces were not the intended target.

Other significant incidents include attacks on Lebanese Army positions on October 21 and direct fire on a Lebanese Army patrol on October 27. On December 8, a Lebanese soldier was affected by white phosphorus. An earlier incident in October reportedly involved Israel using white phosphorus munitions supplied by the U.S., injuring civilians. The White House has sought clarification from Israel regarding its use of white phosphorus.

Concerns about these strikes against the Lebanese Army have been voiced by a senior congressional aide, emphasizing the critical and independent role of the Lebanese Armed Forces in maintaining stability in Lebanon.

In response to the escalating situation, U.S. officials have urged Israeli leaders to exercise greater caution. Concurrently, efforts are underway to reduce the violence between Israel and Hezbollah and stabilize the border region. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has expressed Israel’s desire for Hezbollah to withdraw north of the Litani River, located approximately 18 miles from the border.