State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller noted that while Israel's ground operations in Lebanon remain limited, Israeli forces seem poised to expand their activities in southern Lebanon as the anniversary of the Gaza war nears.
Washington has also urged Israel to ensure that access to Beirut’s airport remains open. The UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has expressed concern over recent Israeli military activities near its positions, reiterating the importance of peacekeepers in maintaining security. Miller reaffirmed the U.S. stance that the safety of UN peacekeepers is a priority.
UNIFIL's mandate includes supporting the Lebanese army in keeping the region free from unauthorized weapons and armed personnel, a task that has led to friction with Hezbollah, which controls much of southern Lebanon. In response to increasing tensions, the Israeli military requested that UN peacekeepers move at least 5 km from the border for their safety.
Despite the escalating conflict, UN peacekeepers continue their role as the primary communication link between Israeli and Lebanese forces. Tensions between Israel and Hezbollah have escalated since Oct. 8, when Hezbollah began launching missiles in support of Hamas.
The conflict has intensified in northern Lebanon, with Israel conducting ground offensives and airstrikes in Hezbollah-controlled areas. The ongoing violence has displaced over 1 million people from southern Lebanon and caused more than 1,000 casualties in the past two weeks.
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