Middle East Crisis; Israeli Defense Minister Says Attacks on Hezbollah in Lebanon Will Continue
Bayan News – Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant emphasized in a phone conversation with his American counterpart, Lloyd Austin, that Israel’s attacks on Hezbollah in Lebanon will persist.
The Israeli defense minister held discussions with the U.S. defense secretary on Saturday (November 23) regarding the Middle East crisis.
According to reports, the U.S. secretary of defense reiterated Washington’s firm commitment to Israel’s security during talks about regional threats and Israel’s military operations in the region.
The Israeli defense minister assured his American counterpart that Israel would continue its decisive actions against Hezbollah in Lebanon. Gallant stated that Israel’s measures would persist with determination to counter Hezbollah’s attacks targeting Israeli civilians.
However, a spokesperson for the Israeli Ministry of Defense noted that Gallant, during his call with Austin, welcomed U.S. efforts to facilitate a ceasefire in Lebanon. He also reaffirmed Israel’s commitment and readiness to restore security and ensure the safe return of residents of northern Israeli communities to their homes.
In a related development, the U.S. Department of Defense (Pentagon) issued a statement highlighting Austin’s discussions about regional threats and Israeli military operations. The Pentagon reiterated Washington’s unwavering commitment to Israel’s security.
The statement emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety and security of the Lebanese Armed Forces and the international peacekeeping forces of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
Furthermore, the Pentagon’s statement noted that Lloyd Austin underlined Washington’s commitment to finding a political solution in Lebanon and called for practical steps to improve the “catastrophic” humanitarian conditions in Gaza.
The U.S. defense secretary also stated that the United States remains committed to achieving a political resolution in Lebanon to facilitate the safe return of both Lebanese and Israeli civilians to their homes on both sides of the border.
The New York Times: Optimism Surrounding a Ceasefire Agreement in Lebanon
