When Hezbollah launched a huge assault on Israel over the weekend, the U.S. did not engage directly by shooting down rockets or drones but did offer intelligence assistance, the Pentagon reported on Monday.
According to Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, the U.S. contributed intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance to monitor the Hezbollah attacks but did not undertake any active defensive measures as they were deemed unnecessary. Ryder emphasized that the U.S. was ready to support Israel’s defense if needed, but in this case, Israel managed to handle the situation with its own resources.
The Pentagon reports U.S. offered intelligence and surveillance but did not engage directly in Israel’s defense against Hezbollah
In a previous instance, the U.S. and regional allies had intervened to assist Israel when Iran launched a substantial missile and drone assault in April. Early on Sunday, Israel executed a preemptive strike with around 100 fighter jets targeting various sites in Lebanon in anticipation of a Hezbollah offensive.
While the U.S. played a role in tracking Hezbollah’s movements, it did not aid in the planning or execution of Israel’s preemptive strike, Ryder clarified. He added that American and Israeli forces maintain regular and close communication despite the ongoing regional tensions.
Despite Israel’s strikes, Hezbollah fired approximately 300 rockets and drones at what it alleged were military sites. The exchanges resulted in casualties on both sides, including the death of an Israeli soldier and several Hezbollah and allied fighters.
Hezbollah’s leader Hassan Nasrallah claimed a successful retaliation for the death of a key military figure but did not rule out future attacks. Iran has also pledged retaliation for the death of a Hamas leader, and the Houthis anticipate revenge for the bombing in Yemen.
Ryder noted that the U.S. remains vigilant to these threats and has extended the deployment of the USS Theodore Roosevelt and USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike groups in the region to ensure readiness to support Israel’s defense.
