text:  U.S., European and Arab mediators are trying to cool tensions between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah militants in Lebanon before it spirals into a wider Middle East war. The Israeli army is already stretched thin after a nearly nine-month war in Gaza, while Hezbollah is in possession of some 150,000 rockets and missiles capable of striking anywhere in Israel. Hopes are dimming of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, which would calm attacks by Hezbollah.