In a meeting with his Israeli counterpart, Yoav Gallant, US Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin warns against the “catastrophe” of a wider war.
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said a diplomatic solution was needed to avoid a costly war between Israel and the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah.
During a meeting with Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant on Tuesday, Austin attributed the rise in tensions to Hezbollah’s “provocations” but noted that an all-out war would be destructive for all involved and could trigger a regional conflagration.
“Diplomacy is by far the best way to avoid further escalation. Therefore, we urgently seek a diplomatic agreement that will restore lasting calm on Israel’s northern border and allow civilians to return safely to their homes on both sides of the Israel-Lebanon border,” Austin told reporters.
Hezbollah and Israeli forces have exchanged fire almost daily since the start of the war in Gaza, but the escalation of attacks in recent weeks has caused growing unease.
Gallant has frequently suggested that Israel could pursue a full-scale war against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. On Tuesday, Gallant said he was “working closely” with Austin to find a diplomatic resolution, but that they also discussed “military readiness in all possible scenarios.”
Although Israel has blamed Hezbollah for the displacement of thousands of Israelis from their homes near the Lebanese border, the Iran-linked group has signaled throughout the conflict that it is not interested in a broader war.
Thousands of Lebanese civilians were displaced from areas near the border with Israel and more than 80 civilians and non-combatants were killed. In Israel, 11 civilians have been killed since October.
Hezbollah is considered one of the most sophisticated and well-armed paramilitary groups in the world, and a major conflict between the group and Israel could have devastating impacts on both sides.
Although US President Joe Biden’s administration has repeatedly urged Israel to avoid a war with Hezbollah in Lebanon, it recently declared that in the event of such a move, Israel would receive full US support.
“Such a war would be a catastrophe for Lebanon and would be devastating for innocent Israeli and Lebanese civilians,” Austin said.
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