The United States appeared out of sync with the rest of the world when it vowed backing for Israel’s ground incursion into Lebanon. While voices from throughout the world urged a truce and a retreat from the verge of all-out war on Tuesday, Washington described the “limited” ground offensive into southern Lebanon as “Israel’s right to defend itself”.

The United States appeared to be out of step with the rest of the world when it pledged support for Israel’s ground incursion into Lebanon. On Tuesday, while voices from around the world urged a peace and a withdrawal from the brink of all-out war, Washington justified the “limited” ground offensive into southern Lebanon as “Israel’s right to defend itself”.

Austin emphasized that the United States supports Israel’s right to self-defense.

On Tuesday, the White House National Security Council issued a similar statement, justifying Israel’s “limited operations”. It also stated that it opposes the expansion of the ground attack and believes that a diplomatic settlement is the best way to establish long-term stability along Israel’s border with Lebanon. ‘The most dangerous’ Najib Mikati, Lebanon’s temporary Prime Minister, warned that his country is entering “one of the most dangerous phases of its history” and urged the United Nations to offer relief to one million people affected by Israel’s recent attacks. “We urgently call for more aid to reinforce our ongoing efforts to provide basic support to displaced civilians,” Mikati said during a meeting with UN authorities.