Blumenthal Says Israel Has “No Choice” but to Strike Militant Group Without Lebanese Capability

Senator Richard Blumenthal says the United States should continue supporting the Lebanese Armed Forces as they work to counter a militant group, arguing that Lebanon’s military lacks the capability to contain or disable the group on its own. Because of that gap, Blumenthal says Israel is left with “no choice” but to strike positions of the militant group inside Lebanon, a response he believes ultimately serves Lebanon’s own long-term interests.

He emphasizes that strengthening Lebanon’s official security forces is essential to reducing the militant group’s power, stabilizing the region, and preventing Israel from having to act unilaterally.