US authorities fear that the strike on the Golan Heights that killed children will lead to a war between Israel and Hezbollah, Axios reported, citing US officials.
“What happened today could be the trigger we’ve been worrying about and trying to avoid for 10 months,” one of the interlocutors told the publication.
According to U.S. officials, without a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip, the likelihood of war between Israel and Hezbollah increases. This could exacerbate the regional crisis and “further” draw the United States into it, the interlocutors added.
Earlier, the proximity of a full-scale war between Israel and Hezbollah and Lebanon after the strike on the Golan Heights was announced by Israeli Foreign Minister Yisrael Katz. According to him, the group has crossed all red lines with its latest actions.
The strike on the town of Majdal Shams in Israel’s Golan Heights took place on July 27. Civilians were injured as a result.
Israeli authorities held Hezbollah responsible for the incident. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the movement will pay “the highest price” for the attack. The group has not acknowledged involvement in the attack.
“The Islamic Resistance has nothing to do with this incident,” the movement said.
However, an hour before the statement, Hezbollah reported the rocket attack in response to Israeli shelling of populated areas in southern Lebanon.
The Lebanese government, for its part, condemned the strike on the Golan.