The United States is gearing up for a wider war in the Middle East and is now securing enough protection for its soldiers in the region, Axios reported on Sunday, citing unnamed US and Israel officials.
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant reportedly discussed a spillover of the conflict on Friday after Israel announced it would raise the level of its military activity in Gaza. Israeli sources told the media outlet that Lebanon-based Hezbollah will likely try to escalate the situation but that it is not expected to turn into an uncontrolled war.
Elsewhere, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi warned on social media that Israel's "crimes have crossed the red lines, which may force everyone to take action." He added that "Washington asks us to not do anything, but they keep giving widespread support to Israel" and that the "US sent messages to the Axis of Resistance but received a clear response on the battlefield."
