Mon Sep 23 22:33:03 UTC 2024: ## Biden’s Peace Efforts Falter as Israel Pounds Lebanon, Escalating Regional Conflict

**United Nations, New York** – Despite nearly a year of US efforts to prevent the Gaza conflict from escalating, Israel has launched a major offensive on Lebanon, killing hundreds and raising concerns about a wider regional war.

The move comes just weeks before the US presidential election and as President Biden begins his final visit to the UN General Assembly. The Biden administration has repeatedly called for de-escalation, presenting “concrete ideas” for an “off-ramp” to the conflict. However, the US has been unable to prevent the escalation, with Israel escalating attacks despite US appeals for calm.

Israel claims it has targeted over 1,000 Hezbollah sites in the past 24 hours, while Lebanese authorities report over 492 deaths, including 35 children.

The offensive follows the failure of US-led diplomatic efforts to secure a Gaza ceasefire, with Netanyahu insisting on an Israeli troop presence on the Gaza-Egypt border and a dispute with Hamas over the release of prisoners.

Experts warn that the US political calendar, with Vice President Kamala Harris vying for the presidency, may have influenced Israel’s decision to expand the conflict to Lebanon.

“It is not particularly far-fetched to imagine that the US political calendar may have played into Israeli decision-making on when to expand,” said Michael Hanna, director of the US program at the International Crisis Group.

While the US has repeatedly expressed concern over civilian casualties in Gaza, it has stopped short of taking major actions against Israel, such as withholding military aid. The Pentagon has announced the deployment of additional troops to the Middle East, seen by Israel as a sign of US commitment in the event of escalation.

The situation has been further complicated by Iran’s accusations of Israeli aggression, with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian claiming Israel is seeking a wider conflict.

The conflict highlights the fragility of peace efforts in the region and raises serious concerns about the potential for a wider regional war.

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