US officials to CNN: Israel preparing for ground and air assault on Lebanon
CNN reported on Thursday, citing American officials, that Israel is preparing for a ground and air assault on Lebanon.
American officials have expressed their concern about the vulnerability of Israel’s air defense system to waves of Hezbollah rockets.
U.S. intelligence assessments indicate that a potential Israeli attack on southern Lebanon could take place in early summer.
An American official stated that in the event of war, the U.S. would bolster Israel’s Iron Dome air defense system. This is because, according to U.S. assessments, some units of Israel’s air defense “will be overwhelmed by Hezbollah’s rocket attacks.”
An Israeli official, confirming the vulnerability of their air defense, told CNN that if Hezbollah launches a large-scale attack using guided weapons, defending against it will be challenging for the military.
Hezbollah has been receiving and stockpiling guided munitions and missiles from Iran for years. The Israeli Defense Forces have warned that if Hezbollah overcomes Israel’s missile defense, the lives of Israeli soldiers and civilians will be at risk.
According to a report by the U.S. Congressional Research Service, the Iron Dome is essential for defending Israel, and the U.S. has spent more than $2.9 billion on the system.
However, Hezbollah possesses a more sophisticated and destructive arsenal of missiles and drones compared to Hamas. The Israeli military estimates that Hezbollah has around 150,000 rockets.
Clashes between Israel and Hezbollah peaked last week. On Tuesday, Israel warned of a potential “full-scale war” with the Iran-backed group. Israeli officials have asked the U.S. for necessary resources.
Israeli officials told the U.S. that the attack aims to push Hezbollah back and create a buffer zone. This would let Israelis return to northern Israel safely. Hezbollah’s leader warned that “no part of Israel” would be safe.
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