United States Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has emphasized the need for a diplomatic solution to avoid a costly war between Israel and the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah. During a meeting with Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant, Austin attributed soaring tensions to “provocations” by Hezbollah but warned against the destructive consequences of a full-blown war, which could potentially spark a regional conflagration.
Amid escalating attacks between Hezbollah and Israeli forces, Austin stated, “Diplomacy is by far the best way to prevent more escalation.” He stressed the urgent pursuit of a diplomatic agreement to restore lasting calm to Israel’s northern border and facilitate the safe return of civilians on both sides of the Israel-Lebanon border.
The ongoing conflict has raised concerns, with both sides exchanging fire on a near-daily basis. While Gallant has previously indicated Israel’s readiness for a large-scale war against Hezbollah, during the recent meeting with Austin, he expressed commitment to finding a diplomatic resolution while also discussing military preparedness for any potential scenario.
Please, watch the video and subscribe to the channel of republicpolicy.com
The conflict has resulted in the displacement of thousands of Lebanese civilians near the border with Israel, leading to casualties on both sides. As tensions persist, the US administration, under President Joe Biden, has urged Israel to avoid a war with Hezbollah in Lebanon. Despite this, the US has assured full support for Israel in the event of such a war. Austin highlighted that a war would be catastrophic for Lebanon and devastating for innocent civilians on both sides, emphasizing the urgent need for a diplomatic agreement to prevent further escalation.
