The US has been sounding almost daily warnings about the dangers of escalation, but has not put its foot down.
With a lame-duck president in power and a month to go to the Nov 5 election, is Washington unable to exert diplomatic pressure? Or does it suit the superpower to do nothing?
This is a question that the US has struggled to answer as Israel's year-long invasion of Gaza turned bloodier as it wore on, claiming more than 40,000 lives.
The question looms even larger now, with a sharp possibility of an all-out war between Israel and Iran, two of the region's largest military powers.
The region is on edge, with Israel expected to strike Iran's oil infrastructure, military facilities and even its nuclear production sites in response to Iran's largest ballistic-missile attack against Israeli targets in its history on Oct 1.
Tehran's attacks were in retaliation for Israel's deadly campaign against Hezbollah, the Iran-sponsored terrorist group in Lebanon, especially the Sept 27 air raid on Beirut that killed its chief Hassan Nasrallah.
The spiralling tit-for-tat carries the risk that the US – which has deployed carrier strike groups and fighter jets to the region – may also become directly involved.
Several US foreign policy experts suggest that the US does not have much leeway in the hair-trigger scenario.
The regional dynamics are intense and the US has only limited influence, said Professor Daniel Byman from Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service.
Added Mr Gerald Feierstein, director of the Arabian Peninsula Affairs Programme at Washington's Middle East Institute: "The US can facilitate de-escalation if the parties want to de-escalate.
"The big issue is: Is Israel looking for de-escalation or escalation?"
HOW FAR WILL THE U.S. GO TO HELP ISRAEL?
Is Israel bucking US pressure to de-escalate, or is Washington being too soft?
Esta historia es de la edición October 05, 2024 de The Straits Times.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición October 05, 2024 de The Straits Times.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
Krupnova brings positivity to Wondersticks and S'pore
While it has been only two weeks since Eliska Krupnova joined Singapore Floorball Premier League (SFL) side Wondersticks, the 2020 world's best female floorball player has lit up the league in more ways than one.
HER UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Belarusian Goutseva back to complete her artistic swimming vision for Singapore
Villa now in the big leagues, thanks to their manager
On The Ball | There are doubts about the new Champions League format, its extended group stage and \"Swiss model\" fixture list. Try telling that to anyone connected with Aston Villa, though.
REDS' WIN 'SPECIAL' FOR SLOT
Manager says it will let wife see a happy man, but warns of tough stretch ahead
Respectful Emery wary of United's winning mentality
Unai Emery praised the under-pressure Erik ten Hag on Oct 4 as the Aston Villa boss labelled Manchester United \"the best team in the world\" despite their dismal form.
ANGE FACES A 'CURIOUS' TEST BY HURZELER
Brighton boss, who asked 'many questions' on a day at Spurs in 2023, has 'inside info'
Pogba's 'nightmare is over' as ban cut to 18 months
French international footballer Paul Pogba said on Oct 4 that his \"nightmare is over\" after a four-year ban for doping was reduced to 18 months.
Blues need time to compete with City, Arsenal
Chelsea are improving but are not yet ready to compete with top English Premier League clubs like Manchester City and Arsenal, manager Enzo Maresca said on Oct 4.
Billie Jean King Cup to align with Davis Cup format
The Billie Jean King Cup Finals will transition to an eight-team event in 2025, from the current 12, to mirror the existing Davis Cup format, the International Tennis Federation (ITF) said on Oct 4.
Money talks to grow US rugby reportedly back on
Rugby union's governing body World Rugby has revived talks to raise funds for growing the sport in the United States, three people familiar with the matter said.