Tensions between Israel and Hezbollah stir U.S. fears of wider conflict

A barrage of missiles this week exchanged between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon have made U.S. officials increasingly concerned that the escalation could spiral the war-torn region into a broader conflict between the U.S. ally and Iranian-backed militia.

Since Oct. 7, the Biden administration has been furiously working behind the scenes to lower the chances of a conflagration that could draw in the U.S. or put at further risk U.S. troops who are in the region in Syria, Iraq and Jordan. Amos Hochstein, a top diplomatic adviser to President Biden, is headed to Israel Monday to work on de-escalating the conflict, according to a U.S. official.

U.S. officials expressed concern about several scenarios. Some told CBS News they interpret the recent deeper strikes by Israel inside of Lebanese territory as preparing the battlefield for a sweeping assault by Israel Defense Forces. Hezbollah has responded by launching larger rocket attacks into Israel. These officials are increasingly concerned that Israel will start a war against Hezbollah in Lebanon that it cannot finish without American support.