As tensions escalate in the Middle East, U.
S. intelligence officials have expressed concerns over the potential for Hezbollah, the Lebanese terrorist group, to launch an attack on American soil.
The group's assault on Israel has already heightened anxieties, and four anonymous intelligence officials have reportedly told Politico that the U.S. could be a potential target.
One official cautioned, "Hezbollah could draw on the capability they have to put people [in] places to do something," adding that it is a situation that warrants concern. The officials did not provide specific details about the nature of the potential attacks, but they did emphasize that Hezbollah's international network is more extensive than those of ISIS or Al Qaeda.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken also expressed his concerns on Sunday, stating that the situation is "a moment of profound tension in the region." He added, "This is a conflict that could easily metastasize," referring to the threat of the conflict spreading.
The motivation for Hezbollah to strike the U.S. has reportedly increased following the 2019 drone strike that eliminated former Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani. If Israel does not reduce the death toll in Gaza, Hezbollah may seek a strong response, one official suggested.
Hezbollah initiated rocket attacks on Israel shortly after Hamas launched its attack on October 7. The group stated its aim was to alleviate the Israeli army's pressure on Gaza. Initially, U.S. officials believed that Hezbollah was trying to avoid a confrontation with the United States.
Christy Abizaid, director of the National Counterterrorism Center, testified at a congressional hearing in October, "Iran, Hezbollah and their linked proxies are trying to calibrate their activity, avoiding actions that would open up a concerted second front with the U.S. or Israel while still exacting costs in the midst of the current conflict." She added, "This is a very fine line to walk, and in the present regional context, their actions carry the potential for miscalculation."
Tensions between Israel and Hezbollah have escalated since then, with an Israeli military official warning of the potential for "another war" in the region. Over the weekend, Hezbollah launched approximately 40 rockets into Israel, striking its air traffic control base on Mount Meron and forcing thousands of Israelis in the north to evacuate.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded to the attack by stating that Israel is prepared to go to war with Hezbollah if necessary. "Of course, we prefer that this be done without a widespread campaign, but that will not stop us," he said, according to the Times of Israel. He added, "We will do everything to restore security."
In response to these attacks, the U.S. State Department has increased security at its embassy in Lebanon. The Biden administration is making efforts to push Hezbollah forces away from Israel's northern border. Senior Biden adviser Amos Hochstein is expected to visit Beirut on Thursday to advance discussions on restoring peace along the border.
A White House National Security Council spokesperson stated, "The United States has made clear it does not support the ongoing conflict spreading into Lebanon, and continues to exhaust all diplomatic options to see Israeli and Lebanese civilians return to their homes and live in security and stability."
As the situation continues to unfold, the potential for Hezbollah to launch an attack on American soil remains a significant concern for U.S. intelligence officials. The group's extensive international network and increased motivation to strike the U.S. underscore the gravity of the situation. As Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned, this is a conflict that could easily spread, making it a moment of profound tension in the region.
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