The United States is urgently working to avert a full-scale war between Israel and Lebanon as tensions escalate after a deadly rocket attack on the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights that resulted in the deaths of 12 children.

According to Reuters, the US is spearheading diplomatic efforts to deter Israel from targeting Beirut or critical Lebanese infrastructure in response to the attack, which Israel has attributed to the Iran-backed Hezbollah group. Hezbollah has denied any involvement.

While Israeli officials have pledged a strong response, they have also expressed a preference to avoid a broader conflict.