The US Confirms Israel Has The Right To Target The Hezbollah Militant Group, But Must Protect Lebanese Civilians

The Israeli military in southern Lebanon. (Source: Israel Defense Forces)

JAKARTA - Israel has the right to target the Hezbollah militant group even though it may be hiding in civilian buildings in Lebanon, but the ways it takes must pay attention to the protection of civilians, State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said on Wednesday.

When asked at regular news conferences about Israeli airstrikes destroying a city headquarters in the southern city of Nabatieh, Lebanon that killed 16 people including the mayor, Miller said he could not comment on the specific attack, but "we don't want to see civilian buildings destroyed."

"We understand that Hezbollah is sometimes operating from beneath civilian homes, inside civilian homes. We have seen footage that has appeared over the past two weeks about rockets and other military weapons stored in civilian homes," he said.

"Israel does have the right to pursue these legitimate targets, but they need to do so in a way that protects civilian infrastructure, protects civilians," Miller added.

Washington supports limited attacks by Israel to attack and weaken Hezbollah, but the US opposes a massive bombing campaign in Beirut and attacks that do not avoid harm to civilians, Miller said.

Earlier, Lebanese officials criticized Wednesday's attack, which also injured more than 50 people in Nabatieh, the provincial capital, saying it was evidence of Israel's campaign against the Hezbollah armed group now shifting to target Lebanese countries.

Lebanese interim Prime Minister Najib Mikati said the attack was about civilians gathering to coordinate relief efforts.

Miller said if Israel deliberately targeted such a meeting, it would be "unacceptable," but said the situation needed to be verified.

Separately, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, on a visit to northern Israel near the border, said Israel would not stop its attack on Hezbollah to allow negotiations.

"Hezbollah is in great trouble," said Defense Minister Gallany according to a statement from his office.

"We will negotiate only under pressure. I have said it from day one, I said it in Gaza, and I said it here," he said.