US warns Israel not to transfer Lebanon into 'another Gaza' to avoid 'destructive campaign'

The administration of US President Joe Biden warned Israel against carrying out a destructive campaign in Lebanon, supported by the Hezbollah group, amid the conflict with Iran. At the same time, the American government continues to work to push Hezbollah from the border with Israel to the Litani River. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre announced her position on Wednesday, October 9.

“We don’t want Lebanon to become another Gaza,” Jean-Pierre said. She also stressed that the partners are moving towards a ceasefire to create space for diplomatic negotiations and end the fighting. Israel's bombing of Lebanon has killed more than 2,100 people and forced 1.2 million from their homes, according to Reuters.

US President Joe Biden held telephone conversations with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. One of the topics discussed was also a possible strike on Iran in response to the October 1 attack. The Lebanese organization Hezbollah has announced its readiness for a truce with Israel as attacks by the Israel Defense Forces continue against their leadership.