Israel flagged Hezbollah threat before launching air attacks, leaked memo shows

The Guardian - World NewsEN 3 min read 100% complete by Joseph Gedeon in Washington DCMarch 4, 2026 at 02:54 PM

AI Summary

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A leaked US embassy cable reveals that Israel expressed concerns about Hezbollah's growing military capabilities and the Lebanese state's inability to disarm the group before launching airstrikes in Lebanon. The cable, sent to Washington a day before joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran, indicated Israel's distrust of both Beirut and Damascus in containing the threat on its northern border. It also highlighted Israeli concerns about Turkish military presence in Syria and alleged anti-Israel incitement by Turkish officials. The cable served as a briefing for the US Secretary of State before a cancelled trip to Israel and was written under the direction of the US ambassador, Mike Huckabee, whose controversial remarks about Israel seizing territory had sparked diplomatic backlash. The airstrikes against Hezbollah-dominated areas in southern Beirut began three days after the cable was sent.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Tehran 30% Damascus 30% Ayatollah Ali Khamenei 40% Marco Rubio 40% Turkey ×250% Iran ×360% Syria ×460% Mike Huckabee ×470% Lebanon ×270% United States ×680% Hezbollah ×390% Israel ×12100%

Keywords

hezbollah threat 90% israeli air attacks 80% leaked memo 70% us-israeli relations 60% regional security 60% mike huckabee 50% syria 50% turkish military 50% diplomatic scandal 40%