U.S. and Europe warn Lebanon's Hezbollah to ease strikes on Israel and back off from wider Mideast war

U.S., European and Arab mediators are working to prevent the escalation of cross-border attacks between Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah militants, in order to avoid a wider Middle East conflict. Iran and Israel have exchanged threats of a devastating war over Hezbollah. Hopes for a ceasefire in Israel’s conflict with Hamas in Gaza, which could calm attacks by Hezbollah, are diminishing. American and European diplomats are warning Hezbollah not to underestimate Israel’s military might or expect external intervention. Despite a temporary leveling off of strikes, tensions remain high on both sides of the Lebanese border.