US limits military support for Israel, warns against escalating war in Middle East

US may limit its role in defending its close ally, Israel from the attacks of Iran based Hezbollah now compared to two months ago when it aided its ally in intercepting missile and drone attack, said US Joint Chiefs chairman general Charles Q. Brown Jr.

“From our perspective, based on where our forces are, the short range between Lebanon and Israel, it’s harder for us to be able to support them in the same way we did back in April,” he is quoted as saying by Reuters.

His view however contradicts a CNN report on Friday where senior US officials told the Israeli delegation in Washington that US is prepared to back Israel and offer security assistance in the event of a full-out war with Hezbollah.

The support would not include the deployment of US troops on the ground.

Brown also said that an Israeli offensive in Lebanon has the potential to increase the risk of a broader conflict that draws in Iran and Iran-aligned militants, particularly if Hezbollah’s existence is threatened.

“It can drive up the potential for a broader conflict.”

“Hezbollah is more capable than Hamas as far as overall capability, number of rockets and the like. And I would just say I would see Iran be more inclined to provide greater support to Hezbollah,” Brown said.

“Again, all this could help to broaden the conflict in the region and really have Israel not only be worried about what’s happening on their southern part of the country, but also now what’s happening in the north.”

The view mirrors the views of Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant.

Hezbollah has been launching attacks on Israeli days after the attack by Hamas on October 7.

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