The United States Secretary of State, , stated on Sunday that the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict is expected to escalate with the involvement of Iranian proxies. He further emphasized that the Biden administration is prepared to respond if American personnel or armed forces become targets of such hostilities.
Blinken emphasized, “We do not desire or seek escalation. We want to avoid any instances where our forces or personnel are under fire. However, if such circumstances arise, we are fully prepared to handle them.”
Blinken issued this warning as Israel continued to respond militarily to a deadly attack by Hamas on October 7th, targeting civilians in southern Israel. This military response has now entered its third week.
Israeli airstrikes have targeted various locations in Gaza, as well as two airports in Syria and a mosque in the occupied West Bank, which was allegedly being used by militants. The conflict has the potential to ignite a wider unrest in the Middle East.
Throughout the duration of the war, Israel has been engaged in near-daily exchanges of fire with Lebanon’s Hezbollah militant group. Additionally, tensions are escalating in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, where Israeli forces have been fighting militants in refugee camps and carrying out airstrikes in recent days.
Meanwhile, the United States has announced that non-essential staff at its embassy in Iraq should leave the country.
Blinken, who recently visited the region, spoke about the “likelihood of escalation” and expressed the collective desire to prevent a second or third front in the conflict.
He also raised concerns about potential actions by Iranian proxies, targeting American forces and personnel. He highlighted that necessary measures are being taken to effectively defend their people and respond decisively when required.
President Joe Biden has consistently warned Israel’s enemies against taking advantage of the situation, using one simple word: “Don’t.”
Blinken, appearing on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” also mentioned the deployment of additional military assets, including two aircraft carrier battle groups, to the region. He clarified that this move is not meant to provoke, but to deter any potential actions and affirm their commitment to the security of the region.
