Senate Democrats Seek Accountability on US Military Role in Lebanon Displacement Zones

A formal inquiry has been launched by twelve Democratic senators into the potential involvement of United States forces in Israel's campaign to establish mass evacuation zones across Lebanon, Gaza, and Iran. The letter, addressed to Brad Cooper, the commander of US Central Command, was sent on Monday and released to the public on Thursday. The legislators argue that the imposition of these zones likely contravenes international laws regarding humane warfare, which the United States has helped to develop.

The inquiry specifically targets the mechanisms of support provided by American military assets. The senators asked whether forces under Cooper's command have supplied refuelling services, intelligence, or other assistance to facilitate the creation and enforcement of these displacement orders. They further questioned if US personnel have shared intelligence assessments that could be utilised to target civilians or enforce the evacuation of specific areas in Lebanon and Iran.

Central to the letter is the assertion that declaring military evacuation zones does not absolve either Israeli or US forces of legal responsibility. The signatories emphasised that absolute legal obligations remain regarding the determination of whether individuals or civilian facilities targeted by drones, jets, and gunfire constitute legitimate military targets. They noted that the declaration of such zones has historically been used to permanently displace populations and destroy homes and towns.

The signatories of the letter include prominent figures such as Peter Welch, Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, and Chris Van Hollen. Notably, Chris Coons, a centrist senator and staunch supporter of Israel, also signed the correspondence. This action underscores a shift in the US political landscape, where bipartisan support for Israel, once considered unquestioning, is now facing significant domestic and international criticism regarding conduct in Lebanon.

The Senate push comes amidst reports that Israel intends to replicate the model used in Gaza within South Lebanon. Israeli officials have admitted to aiming to create a desolate buffer zone that would not require permanent military occupation. Even after a ceasefire between Hezbollah and Lebanon began last month, Israel declared a so-called green zone comprising dozens of towns, proceeding to demolish entire neighbourhoods while continuing to issue displacement orders for parts of the region.

Separately, Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib has introduced a War Powers resolution in the House of Representatives aimed at ending US involvement in the Israeli assault on Lebanon. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump continues to broker direct talks between Lebanon and Israel, with negotiations scheduled for Washington next week, despite the ongoing allegations of abuse and destruction. Since October 2023, Washington has provided its Middle East ally with more than $21bn in direct military assistance.