**WASHINGTON** – On Monday (Sept 30), U.S. President Joe Biden called for a ceasefire in Lebanon, but a U.S. official indicated that Israeli troop movements suggested a potential ground invasion against Hezbollah militants could be imminent.
When asked about reports of Israeli troops preparing for a ground operation in southern Lebanon, Biden told reporters he was “comfortable with them (Israel) stopping.”
Several senior officials supported Biden’s ceasefire call, emphasizing the need for a diplomatic solution to the conflict in order to allow tens of thousands of displaced Israelis and Lebanese to return to their homes near the border.
“We will continue working with our partners in the region and around the world to push for a diplomatic resolution,” said Secretary of State Antony Blinken at a State Department event.
However, a U.S. official, speaking anonymously, stated that U.S. observations of Israeli military deployments suggest a ground invasion of Lebanon could be approaching. The official did not provide further details regarding Israeli troop positioning.
The U.S. call for a reduction in hostilities comes after two weeks of Israeli air strikes and targeted killings of Hezbollah leaders, including the group’s chief, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, on Friday.
Israeli authorities have stated that their military actions aim to facilitate the return of around 70,000 citizens who were evacuated from northern Israeli communities after Hezbollah launched rocket attacks on October 8, in response to a Hamas assault on Israel from Gaza the previous day.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, addressing troops stationed near the northern border, hinted at the possibility of a ground invasion. “We will utilize all necessary means – your forces, additional forces, from the air, sea, and on land. Good luck,” Gallant said.
The Biden administration has expressed concern that Nasrallah’s assassination and further Israeli military actions could spark a broader regional conflict.
At the United Nations, the U.S. envoy called for continued diplomatic efforts to halt the violence in both Lebanon and Gaza.
“We aim to find a path to peace that ensures safety for Palestinians and Israelis, as well as security for Lebanese and Israelis along the northern border,” said U.S. Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield.
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