In what was described as an indirect message, Israel signaled on Tuesday that civilian infrastructure could be targeted “hard” if Hezbollah were to take part in any potential war between the United States and Iran, according to a report by Reuters.
The warning comes amid growing speculation over a possible U.S. military strike on Iran and reports suggesting that Hezbollah could become involved in the event of a broader regional confrontation.
Lebanon fears potential Israeli strikes on its infrastructure in the event of an escalation between Iran and the United States, Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji said from Geneva on Tuesday.
Speaking to several media outlets, Rajji said, “There are indications that the Israelis could strike hard in the event of escalation, including possible attacks on strategic infrastructure such as the airport.”
On the sidelines of his participation in a session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, he added, “We are currently undertaking diplomatic efforts to demand that Lebanese civilian infrastructure not be targeted, even in the event of retaliatory actions or responses.”
On Monday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly gathered senior aides for a high-level security consultation as regional tensions continued to mount. A day earlier, on Sunday, Netanyahu held a smaller, restricted meeting with select advisers and security officials to examine potential scenarios involving Hezbollah in the event of a U.S. strike on Iran, according to Israel’s Channel 12.
Israeli officials assess that Tehran may be seeking to stall for time by submitting draft proposals to Washington and then reengaging in negotiations over revisions and amendments. According to these assessments, this approach unfolds within an increasingly fragile diplomatic environment and could further diminish the prospects of achieving a comprehensive agreement.
Trump weighing diplomacy and escalation
Trump will base his decision on whether to strike Iran based on the assessments of his two chief negotiators, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, of Tehran’s intentions, The Guardian reported Tuesday.
The report, citing sources familiar with the matter, stated that Witkoff and Kushner are set to update the U.S. president on their assessment of whether Iran is genuinely committed to finalizing a nuclear deal or merely attempting to buy time.
U.S. President Donald Trump is becoming frustrated with “the limits of military leverage” against Iran, CBS News reported Tuesday. Advisers have told the U.S. president that it was unlikely that limited strikes on Iran would be decisive, and that there was a risk of escalation into a wider conflict.
Iran has consistently maintained that it is not pursuing nuclear weapons. Nevertheless, it has enriched uranium to levels far beyond civilian use, restricted access for international inspectors at its nuclear sites, and advanced its ballistic missile program.
Tehran has warned that a U.S. strike would draw a strong military response.
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