Avert War with Israel: Iran, Hezbollah Desire Peace, Says Gen. Jack Keane

Despite recent provocations, both Iran and Hezbollah seek to avoid a broader conflict with Israel, according to retired Gen. Jack Keane, a senior strategic analyst for Fox News.

In the wake of Hezbollah's launch of 30 rockets into northern Israel, Gen. Jack Keane, a former U.S. Army vice chief of staff, joined "Cavuto Live" to discuss the escalating tensions in the Middle East. Despite these provocations, Keane asserted that neither Iran nor Hezbollah desires a full-scale war with Israel.

"We're not going to see Iran or Hezbollah go to war with Israel," Keane stated. "They want to stop the killing. They want to bring about a cease-fire. They want to strike back, but they don't want a war with Israel."

Avert War with Israel: Iran, Hezbollah Desire Peace, Says Gen. Jack Keane

Keane's assessment is based on several factors. Firstly, Iran is preoccupied with internal challenges, including widespread protests and economic instability. A war with Israel would only exacerbate these problems and further weaken Iran's position.

Secondly, Hezbollah is acutely aware of the devastating consequences of a war with Israel. The Lebanese terror group suffered heavy losses in the 2006 Lebanon War, and it is unlikely to risk another conflict that could potentially cripple its organization.

Avert War with Israel: Iran, Hezbollah Desire Peace, Says Gen. Jack Keane

Moreover, both Iran and Hezbollah recognize that a war with Israel would likely draw in the United States and other regional powers, potentially escalating into a much larger and more destructive conflict.

However, Keane warned that while Iran and Hezbollah may not seek a war, they will not hesitate to retaliate against Israeli attacks. "They will strike back," he said. "They're not going to let Israel get away with it."

Avert War with Israel: Iran, Hezbollah Desire Peace, Says Gen. Jack Keane

Despite the ongoing violence, Keane expressed optimism that a cease-fire could be reached. He credited the efforts of the United States and other international actors for facilitating dialogue between Israel and Hamas, the ruling party in the Gaza Strip.

"We're not going to see a cessation of hostilities until we have a cease-fire in place," Keane said. "And the U.S. is working very hard to try to get that done."

Keane emphasized the importance of a political solution to the underlying tensions in the Middle East. "We have to get to the political solution at some point," he said. "And that political solution has to address the grievances of the Palestinians."

In addition to diplomatic efforts, Keane also highlighted the military measures the United States is taking to deter Iran and Hezbollah. The deployment of a guided missile submarine and an aircraft carrier strike group to the region sends a clear message that the U.S. is committed to protecting its allies and maintaining stability in the Middle East.

"The U.S. is taking steps to reassure Israel and our allies in the region," Keane said. "We are demonstrating that we are committed to their security."

By pursuing a combination of diplomatic and military efforts, the United States and its allies hope to prevent a wider war in the Middle East and create the conditions for a lasting political solution.