Israel didn't inform US of operation targeting Hezbollah, Axios says

On Tuesday, Axios cited two U.S. officials who said Israel did not inform the Biden administration ahead of its operation, which involved disabling thousands of Hezbollah members' pager devices.

According to the report, "Israeli officials said they are aware that a major escalation on the northern border is possible after the attack," adding that the Israeli military is "on high alert for a possible response by Hezbollah."

The report cited a source familiar with the situation who said, "Israel conducted the operation in order to take its fighting against Hezbollah into new phase, while attempting to still not escalate to the level of an all out war."

The source added, "Israeli intelligence services assessed ahead of the operation that Hezbollah would likely retaliate with a major attack against Israel."

The report also quoted a source with knowledge of the matter, who said the operation was approved earlier this week during security meetings with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, senior members of his cabinet, and the heads of the security services.