US Blocks Large-Scale Israeli Attack on Hezbollah in Southern Lebanon Amid Rome Talks

According to Lebanese media reports, the Israeli military planned a broad offensive against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon following a deadly incident in Majdal Zoun, where two Israeli soldiers were killed and others wounded. However, the Israeli political leadership halted the operation after intervention by the United States, which aimed to prevent escalation during ongoing negotiations in Rome. The US acted swiftly to limit Israel's response to avoid jeopardizing the diplomatic progress, allowing the third day of talks to continue as scheduled.

Ultimately, Israel carried out a more limited wave of attacks, including airstrikes and artillery fire at several locations in southern Lebanon. A Lebanese official told the press that Lebanon sought to contain tensions through diplomatic and security contacts, but Hezbollah's lack of cooperation and Israel's insistence on responding to all threats leave the possibility of further escalation open.

The incident and subsequent restrained Israeli response highlight the delicate balance maintained by the US to prevent a wider conflict between Israel and Hezbollah amid sensitive international negotiations.