US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin reiterated America's firm commitment to Israel's right to defend itself against Hezbollah and guard itself against attacks like that which occurred on October 7.
US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin has informed Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant that a diplomatic solution has the greatest possibility of saving both sides' civilian populations from the tension arising on the Israel-Lebanon border.
On X, Austin said in a post: "We made clear we stand by Israel's right to self defense. Both of us have agreements as to the dismantling of attack infrastructure at the border; ensuring that the Lebanese Hizballah can never conduct attacks like that on 7th of October again on northern communities of Israel."
He also stated that the safe return of civilians to their homes depended on a diplomatic solution.
Further threatening Iran with "serious consequences," Austin said that he "made clear that the United States is well-postured to defend US personnel, partners, and allies in the face of threats from Iran and Iran-backed terrorist organisations and determined to prevent any actor from exploiting tensions or expanding the conflict."
"I made clear that if Iran acts on its threat to unilaterally launch a direct military attack against Israel, there will be severe consequences for Iran," he said, reiterating the United States' commitment to asserting Israel's right to defend itself if the current escalation extends.
Earlier this Monday, US State Department Spokesman Matthew Miller announced to reporters on Monday that Israel informed the US it's carrying out "limited operations focused on Hezbollah infrastructure near the border."
The US security officials informed the White House that Israel had given notice of plans to launch an imminent, limited ground campaign in Lebanon, The Washington Post reported.
US President Joe Biden said Sunday that he would talk to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu amid rising tensions in the Middle East after Israel assassinated Hezbollah Chief Hassan Nasrallah.
He added, "We really have to avoid" all-out war in the Middle East, saying, "We've already taken precautions relative to our embassies and personnel who want to leave, but we're not there yet. But we're working like hell with the French and many others."
Israel has escalated its airstrikes across Lebanon since 23 September, leveling the largest attack on Friday on the southern suburbs of Beirut that apparently killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and many of his close associates.
This escalation of the conflict intensified subsequent clashes between Israel and Hezbollah, which began on 8 October 2023, after Hezbollah rocket attacks on Israel in support of Hamas in Gaza, which had resulted in retaliatory Israeli artillery attacks and airstrikes against south-eastern Lebanon.
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