President Joe Biden’s administration supports Israel’s operations against Iran-backed Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, aiming to weaken the group and create space for the Lebanese to elect a new president. The ultimate goal is to push Hezbollah away from the southern border with Israel for good. The U.S. also wants to see Israel withdraw behind the border as outlined in UN Resolution 1701, which was meant to end hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel by creating a buffer zone.
However, challenges remain in implementing this resolution, adopted in 2006 after the last major war between Israel and Hezbollah. Despite the resolution’s goal of lasting peace and full Lebanese sovereignty over the south, Hezbollah has amassed a significant arsenal of missiles and other weapons. The country is also facing political and economic crises, including hyperinflation and widespread poverty.
Hezbollah has been firing rockets into northern Israel in solidarity with Hamas since the latter’s attacks on Israel began. This has led to displacement of tens of thousands of people in Israel, with Israel citing this as justification for its military campaign in southern Lebanon. Over 2,000 people have been killed in Lebanon, with many displaced, since the conflict escalated.
The Biden Administration shares Israel’s frustration with the UNIFIL peacekeeping mission’s failure to prevent Hezbollah from hiding weapons along the border. The focus now is on supporting Israel’s actions to degrade Hezbollah’s capabilities while also working towards a diplomatic solution that aligns with UN Resolution 1701.
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