“Washington is working urgently on a diplomatic agreement that will allow citizens of Israel and Lebanon to return to their homes on both sides of the border, the US Secretary of Defense said today. Lloyd Austin, warning of the “catastrophic consequences” of a new war between Israel and Hezbollah.
Earlier today, Israel’s National Security Advisor, Tchai Hanegbistated that “Israel is discussing with US officials the possibility of de-escalation of Israeli operations in Gaza combined with some type of agreement with Hezbollah.”
Fears of “total war”
Bombings and escalating violence on Israel’s northern border have driven thousands of people from their homes on both sides of the border, with resurgent tensions raising fears of all-out war. between the Jewish State and the Lebanese armed organization.
“Hezbollah’s provocations threaten to drag the Israeli people and the Lebanese people into a war they do not want. Such a war would be a disaster for Lebanon and would be devastating for innocent Israeli and Lebanese citizens,” Austin said at the start of his meeting with his Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallad at the US Pentagon.
“Another war between Israel and Hezbollah could easily turn into a regional war, with devastating consequences for the Middle East,” Austin said.
“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 safely return to their homes on both sides of the Israel-Lebanon border.”
At the Pentagon, Gallant emphasized that he would discuss military preparedness with Austin.
“We are working closely to reach an agreement, but we also need to discuss preparedness for any possible scenario,” said the Israeli defense minister.
Gallant will continue his consultations with US officials in Washington today, amid tensions with President Joe Biden’s administration over arms deliveries to Israel.
Yesterday, Monday, he was received by Foreign Affairs Secretary Anthony Blinken, who also called on Israel to avoid further escalation in Lebanon, while talks were underway on efforts to reach an agreement on the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza.
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