US on Israeli bombing in Lebanon: Military pressure can enable diplomacy

7/10/2024 11:45

        The U.S. government, reacting to Israel's heavy bombardment in Lebanon, said on Sunday that military pressure can enable diplomacy but can also lead to miscalculations.
        
        Israeli air attacks battered Beirut's southern suburbs overnight and early on Sunday while dozens were killed separately in Gaza as the Israeli army launched a new incursion in the north.
        
        The region has been on edge awaiting Israel's response to a missile attack from Iran last week that Tehran carried out in retaliation for Israel's escalations in Lebanon. The Iranian attack ultimately killed no one in Israel and Washington called it ineffective.
        
        "Military pressure can at times enable diplomacy. Of course, military pressure can also lead to miscalculation. It can lead to unintended consequences," a U.S. State Department spokesperson said in an emailed statement.