U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stated that the United States will continue to provide military support to Israel, downplaying the notion of “red lines” while warning that a full-scale conflict between Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah would be catastrophic.
Israel, on the same day, rejected global calls for a mutual ceasefire with the Iran-backed Hezbollah, defying its strongest ally, the United States, by continuing strikes that have killed hundreds in Lebanon and heightened fears of a regional war.
When asked about Washington’s “red lines” in supporting Israel, Austin responded that the U.S. commitment to helping Israel defend itself remains unwavering.
Austin reiterated U.S. calls for a ceasefire and a diplomatic resolution to the crisis.
Speaking after a meeting with his British and Australian counterparts in London, Austin emphasized, “We have been committed from the start to assisting Israel and providing them with the necessary tools to protect their sovereignty. That has not changed, and it will not change.”
He acknowledged the risk of a full-scale war between Hezbollah and Israel but added that a diplomatic solution is still possible. “We now face the risk of a full-scale war. Such a war would be devastating for both Israel and Lebanon,” Austin said.
He urged both nations to consider an alternative path and noted that despite the recent escalation, diplomacy remains an option. “Let me be clear, Israel and Lebanon can choose a different path. Despite the sharp escalation in recent days, a diplomatic solution is still on the table,” Austin concluded.
Austin also stated that the quickest way for Israel to achieve its goal of returning residents to their homes in the north is through diplomacy.
Israel has vowed to secure its northern region and return thousands of residents who were evacuated after Hezbollah launched cross-border strikes in solidarity with Hamas in Gaza.
On Thursday, Israel announced it had secured an $8.7 billion aid package from the United States to support its ongoing military efforts and maintain its military superiority in the region.
The Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon on Thursday resulted in 92 deaths and 153 injuries, according to Lebanon’s Ministry of Health. The ministry reported that the Israeli military carried out 115 airstrikes across various regions of Lebanon.
