Washington: US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin restated America’s firm backing for Israel’s right to defend itself against Hezbollah and avoid assaults like the one on October 7.
In a phone call with Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, Austin underlined the importance of a diplomatic solution to safeguard civilians on both sides of the Israel-Lebanon border.
In a post on X, Austin stated, “I made it clear that the United States supports Israel’s right to defend itself,” adding that both sides agreed on the importance of “dismantling attack infrastructure along the border to ensure that Lebanese Hizballah cannot conduct October 7-style attacks on Israel’s northern communities.”
The US Defence Secretary also stressed that a diplomatic resolution is necessary to ensure the safe return of civilians to their homes.
Further warning Iran of ‘serious consequences,’ Austin reassured that the United States is well-prepared to defend US personnel, partners, and allies against threats from Iran and Iran-backed terrorist organisations. He emphasised the US’s determination to prevent any actor from exploiting tensions or escalating the conflict.
Austin reiterated the US’s commitment to support Israel in the event of any expansion of the conflict. He made it clear that there would be serious consequences for Iran if it chose to launch a direct military attack against Israel, reinforcing the US’s readiness to stand by Israel.
Earlier on Monday, US State Department Spokesman Matthew Miller told reporters on Monday that Israel had informed the US it was carrying out “limited operations focused on Hezbollah infrastructure near the border,” which includes targeted airstrikes and ground operations to dismantle Hezbollah’s military capabilities.
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According to the Washington Post, Israel informed the White House of its plans for an immediate, limited ground war in Lebanon.
Furthermore, US President Joe Biden stated on Sunday that he will meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as tensions in the Middle East rise following Israel’s killing of Hezbollah Chief Hassan Nasrallah.
President Biden stressed the need to avoid an all-out war in the Middle East. He reassured the audience that the US, along with its allies like France, is working diligently to prevent such a scenario, despite the precautions already taken for embassy and personnel safety.
Since September 23, Israel has intensified airstrikes across Lebanon, culminating in a significant strike on Friday in the southern suburbs of Beirut that reportedly killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and many of his associates.
This escalation has intensified ongoing clashes between Israel and Hezbollah, which began on October 8, 2023, when Hezbollah launched rockets at Israel in solidarity with Hamas in Gaza, prompting retaliatory Israeli artillery fire and airstrikes in southeastern Lebanon.
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–IANS
(File photo; credit: Ministry of Defence, Israel)
