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Austin: US does not want Israeli escalation with Lebanon

ISNA - Iranian Students' News Agency

Sun / 26 November 2023 / 11:16

US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin reiterates unwavering support for "Israel's right to defend itself" as Washington seeks to further protect its regional interests.

Tehran (ISNA) - US Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin held a phone call with Israeli Security Minister Yoav Gallant addressing the ongoing situation of Israeli captives in Gaza.

The call highlighted the recent release of Israeli captives and recognized what he described as pivotal roles played by "Israel", Qatar, and Egypt in reaching an agreement.

The discussions reportedly underlined the necessity of increasing humanitarian aid and fuel deliveries to civilians in Gaza.

Additionally, Austin reiterated unwavering support for "Israel's right to defend itself" and received updates on the temporary ceasefire imposed by the Palestinian Resistance on the Israeli occupation as part of Operation al-Aqsa Flood.

Shifting attention to the north, Austin expressed the US interest in preventing the war on Gaza from spreading into Lebanon. He condemned "the ongoing cross-border attacks from Lebanon into Israel" and voiced support for the safe return of Israeli settlers to the northern region.

Lastly, Secretary Austin provided updates on Washington's proclaimed efforts to safeguard its forces and interests throughout the Middle East.

Two weeks ago, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin "expressed concern" to Gallant regarding "Israel's" involvement in heightening tensions along the border with Lebanon, Axios reported citing three US and Israeli sources who were briefed on the call.

The news website considered that "Austin's message to Gallant reflected growing anxiety in the White House that Israeli military action in Lebanon is exacerbating tensions along the border, which could lead to a regional war."

It cited sources briefed on the issue as saying that "some in the Biden administration are concerned Israel is trying to provoke Hezbollah and create a pretext for a wider war in Lebanon that could draw the US and other countries further into the conflict."

According to one US source, "the White House asked Austin to express concern to Gallant about escalating Israeli military action in Lebanon."

Axios cited an Israeli source as saying that Austin sought clarification from Gallant regarding Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon. The US Defense chief urged "Israel" to refrain from taking actions that might escalate the situation into a full-scale war with Hezbollah.

On his part, Gallant assured Austin that Israeli policy is not geared toward opening a second front in Lebanon, emphasizing his belief that such a scenario is unlikely to unfold, as per the Israeli source.

This comes as the border between occupied Palestine and Lebanon continues to witness daily skirmishes between Israeli occupation forces and the Islamic Resistance in Lebanon. "Israel" has so far killed scores of Lebanese civilians including four journalists and 3 children since the beginning of its brutal aggression on Gaza.

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