US President Joe Biden's senior advisor, Amos Hockstein, arrived in Israel on Monday to hold talks with senior officials there about preventing war between Israel and Lebanon, according to what US and Israeli officials told Axios.

American officials say there is growing concern in the White House that Israeli military action in Lebanon is exacerbating tensions along the border, which could lead to a regional war.

Some in the Biden administration are concerned that Israel is trying to provoke Hezbollah and create a pretext for a broader war in Lebanon that could drag the United States and other countries into further conflict. Israeli officials categorically deny this.

An Israeli official said that Hockstein is expected to meet Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer, Israeli Army Chief of Staff Herzi Halevy, and Israeli National Security Advisor Tzachi Hanegbi.

A senior Israeli official said that Tel Aviv wants the United States to work diplomatically to pressure Hezbollah to withdraw its “Radwan Force” from the border.

Israel evacuated tens of thousands of residents from Israeli villages and towns near the border as a precaution.

The Israeli official said that these civilians would not return to their homes if they believed there was a threat on the other side of the border.

This comes as Hezbollah escalated its attacks on Israel, using highly destructive missiles, aircraft, drones, and artillery shells.

(Annahar Alaraby)