WASHINGTON, July 15: The US military is unlikely to enter the widening conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, a senior State Department official said on Saturday.

“We don’t expect that would happen,” David Welch, assistant secretary of state for Near Eastern affairs, told CNN when asked at what point US troops would get involved.

“The Israelis are fully competent to defend themselves, which they are doing right now. I don’t expect there’s going to be any requirement for the United States forces,” said Mr Welch, speaking from the Libyan capital, Tripoli.

Mr Welch said the Beirut government was well-intentioned but unable to rein in Hezbollah. He reiterated US concern that the conflict could damage Lebanon’s fragile democracy.

“You have a government here that, were it in their power, would do the right thing. We’re asking them to exercise their authority in the south, but they are unable to do so because this area is controlled by the Hezbollah militia,” Mr Welch said.

“One key concern of ours is that the government of Lebanon, which is democratically elected, ought to remain in power. We are concerned about that. Frankly, I think the prime minister is doing a really good job under the very difficult circumstances.”—AFP