The United States has urged Syria to consider sending forces into eastern
Lebanon to assist in disarming Hezbollah, according to sources briefed on the
matter. However, Syria remains cautious, citing the risks of Iranian retaliation
and potential sectarian unrest. Despite Syria’s historical enmity toward
Hezbollah, President Bashar al-Assad’s government is wary of provoking
instability in both Syria and Lebanon. While Damascus has reinforced its
military presence along the border, it maintains that its actions are defensive,
and no final decision has been made regarding any cross-border operation.
