US and Israeli defense ministers discuss developments of IDF's operation in Lebanon
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin (photo: defense.gov)
Amid the Israeli army's operation in Lebanon, a conversation took place between US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant. The parties discussed security issues, according to the US Department of Defense.
According to Pentagon Press Secretary Major General Pat Ryder, the American and Israeli ministers reviewed the developments in the security sphere and Israeli operations.
During the conversation, Austin reaffirmed Washington's support for Israel's right to defend itself against Iran, Lebanese Hezbollah, Hamas, the Houthis, and other Iran-backed terrorist organizations.
The Pentagon stated that both sides agreed on the necessity of dismantling the offensive infrastructure along the border to ensure that Lebanese Hezbollah cannot launch attacks on northern Israeli communities, similar to the Hamas attack on October 7 of last year.
Additionally, Austin reiterated the need for a diplomatic resolution to ensure the safe return of civilians to their homes on both sides of the border.
The American and Israeli ministers also discussed the importance of a final transition from military operations to diplomatic efforts to achieve security and stability as quickly as possible.
"Secretary Austin reaffirmed US support for Israel's right to defend itself against Iran, Lebanese Hizballah, Hamas, the Houthis, and other Iran-backed terrorist organizations," the Pentagon emphasized.
"The Secretary and Minister Gallant discussed the serious consequences for Iran in the event Iran chooses to launch a direct military attack against Israel," the US agency stated.
Last night, the Israel Defense Forces officially announced the commencement of a ground operation in southern Lebanon. Israel explained that the operation is limited in nature, with raids targeting Hezbollah positions along the border.
Before this, Israeli aircraft struck militant targets belonging to this organization in the area of the Lebanese capital, Beirut.
Additionally, on September 30, the US State Department stated that Israel had informed the US about a limited ground operation on Lebanese territory. On the same day, Israeli military forces established a closed military zone in the northern part of the country near the border with Lebanon.
Furthermore, according to Sky News, Tehran has promised a decisive response to Israeli operations against Iranian allies in the Middle East.
