JERUSALEM, Israel — Israelis are wondering whether President Joe Biden’s decision to deploy two aircraft carriers to the eastern Mediterranean is meant to deter Iran-backed Hezbollah terrorists from attacking Israel from Lebanon — or to deter Israel from attacking first.

Tensions are high along Israel’s border with Lebanon. For months, Hezbollah has violated U.N. Resolution 1701 — which ended the last round of conflict in 2006 — by patrolling along the border fence, south of the Litani River, in the demilitarized zone.

Since Hamas launched its terror attack from Gaza on Oct. 7, Hezbollah has been firing anti-tank missiles at Israeli posts and civilian towns, causing a daily trickle of casualties and forcing Israel to evacuate towns near the northern border as a precaution.

Israel would prefer to focus on fighting Hamas in Gaza, but each of Lebanon’s attacks — and attempted terrorist infiltrations — provides ample justification for a massive Israeli response. Thus far, Israel has confined itself to returning fire when fired upon.

There is a growing sense in Israel that the military’s restraint on the Lebanese border — and the perceived delay in launching a ground invasion of Gaza — are the result of U.S. pressure, especially after the White House sent conflicting messages on Friday.

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