WASHINGTON: US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has warned Iran of ‘Serious Consequences’ if it attacked Israel.
According to AFP, the Pentagon chief offered support to Israeli Minister for Defense Yoav Gallant for “dismantling attack infrastructure” along the border with Lebanon, following Israel launched ground attacks on Hezbollah.
In a statement, US Defense Secretary said, “We agreed on the necessity of dismantling attack infrastructure along the border in order to ensure that Hezbollah cannot carryout October 7-style assaults on Israel.
Lloyd Austin also reiterated the position shared by the White House that a diplomatic resolution is necessary in order to ensure civilian safety on both sides of the border.
Meanwhile, Israel on Monday declared three communities—, Misgav Am, Metula and Kfar Giladi—along its northern border as a “closed military zone,” ahead of a likely ground invasion of Lebanon. Reports said that the Israeli army has increased its presence along the border in recent days, with military commanders indicating they are ready to deploy ground troops if instructed by the government.
Some media reports suggest that Israel has launched small-scale ground attacks against Hezbollah near the border. According to State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller, US officials were informed regarding these operations, described as “limited.”
US President Joe Biden on Monday expressed opposition to potential Israeli ground offensive in Lebanon and called for an immediate truce, as tensions spiraled following the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in an Israeli attack on Friday in Beirut.
Talking to media persons, President Biden emphasized the urgency of halting military acts, saying, “I’m more aware than you might know and I’m comfortable with them stopping. We should have a truce now.”
