Israel has defied the Biden administration's calls to avert a ground offensive in Lebanon, launching targeted raids on the country. The US president expressed opposition to Israeli ground operations in Lebanon and called for a ceasefire, but Israel proceeded with ground raids in southern Lebanon. The US has been unable to rein in its ally, raising fears of a wider conflict in the Middle East. The Biden administration has been largely caught by surprise by Israel's actions and has supplied Israel with military means to conduct these operations.