US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin reaffirmed his country’s unconditional support for Israel’s right to defend itself during a conversation with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallantwhich discussed Israel’s recent ground incursions into Lebanon to eliminate the terrorist group Hezbollah.
The Pentagon chief stressed that the United States supports Israel’s actions, and stressed the need to dismantle Hezbollah’s attack infrastructure along the border.
“The United States supports Israel’s right to defend itself”Austin said in a statement posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.
I spoke with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant today to discuss security developments and Israeli operations. I made it clear that the United States supports Israel’s right to defend itself. We agreed on the necessity of dismantling attack infrastructure along the border…
— Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III (@SecDef) October 1, 2024
The official also emphasized that the United States is prepared to defend its allies against Iranian threats: “I reiterated the serious consequences for Iran should it decide to launch a direct military attack against Israel,” Austin added.
Austin’s recent statements coincide with the Israeli army’s order to evacuate several Lebanese communities near the border, after the start of what they described as “selective ground raids” against Hezbollah targets.
The Israel Defense Forces detailed that these targets represented an immediate threat to Israeli communities in the north of the country.
Israel reported heavy fighting with Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, although the extent of the incursions has not been fully known. Netanyahu’s government made clear its readiness for a full-scale invasion of Lebanon, with the goal of allowing the safe return of thousands of citizens who fled Hezbollah rocket attacks.
With information from New York Post
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– “There is no place in the Middle East that Israel cannot reach,” Netanyahu warned
