Daijiworld Media Network - Israel
Israel, May 8: A group of Democratic US senators has sought answers from the United States Central Command over American coordination with Israel regarding large-scale “evacuation zones” declared in Lebanon and Iran, alleging the practice may violate international law.
The senators, led by Peter Welch, wrote to CENTCOM chief Brad Cooper on May 4 seeking details about possible US military involvement in the evacuation measures implemented during the Israel-Hezbollah conflict and the recent US-Israeli military operations involving Iran.
Other signatories included Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren and Tammy Baldwin.
In the letter, the senators argued that Israel’s unilateral declaration of mass evacuation zones in Lebanon and Iran “likely contravene international laws the United States has helped develop around humane warfare.”
They also expressed concern that such warnings had allegedly been used to permanently displace civilians and destroy homes and towns, adding that some residents who stayed behind were later killed in strikes.
The lawmakers asked whether US forces coordinated military targets with Israel during operations involving Iran, provided intelligence support linked to the evacuation zones, or approved military support involving targets within those areas. They also sought clarification on whether the legality of such operations had been reviewed by the US military.
The Israel Defense Forces declined to comment on the letter, while CENTCOM had not issued an immediate response.
Israel has repeatedly defended the evacuation warnings, stating that they are intended to protect civilians from conflict zones where Hezbollah allegedly stores weapons and launches attacks.
However, international law experts have criticised the warnings as inconsistent and overly broad. Residents in southern Lebanon have reported receiving notices with little warning, often during the night, causing panic and confusion. In some cases, evacuation orders were reportedly not followed by attacks, while in other instances strikes occurred without prior warning.
The letter reflects growing criticism within the Democratic Party over US military support for Israel and concerns regarding civilian casualties in conflicts involving Gaza, Lebanon and Iran.
The development comes weeks after more than three dozen Democratic lawmakers supported an effort by Sanders to block US arms sales to Israel, signalling increasing dissatisfaction within the party over the policies of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Former deputy national security adviser Jon Finer said concerns over civilian harm and possible US complicity have been steadily growing within the Democratic Party.
Andrew Miller, a former senior official on Israeli and Palestinian affairs, said the senators’ move demonstrated a shift from questioning the legality of Israeli operations to examining potential US involvement.
Israel has issued dozens of evacuation warnings in Lebanon since fighting escalated on March 2, leading to the displacement of more than one million people. Similar warnings have also been issued in Iran, including one instance last year in which around 300,000 residents in Tehran were advised to evacuate.
On Wednesday, Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee issued fresh evacuation notices to residents of 12 villages in southern Lebanon, alleging Hezbollah activity in those areas despite a ceasefire formally in place since April 17.
The senators stated that evacuation declarations do not remove the legal obligation to distinguish between military targets and civilians, describing some of the areas as “kill zones” linked to the deaths of thousands of civilians.