WEB DESK: The United States is urgently striving to reach a diplomatic agreement that would allow Israeli and Lebanese civilians to return to their homes on both sides of the border, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced on Tuesday.
Recent shelling along Israel’s northern border has forced the evacuation of tens of thousands of people from both sides and has intensified in recent weeks, raising fears of an all-out war between Israel and Hezbollah.
“Hezbollah’s provocations threaten to drag the Israeli and Lebanese people into a war they do not want. Such a war would be catastrophic for Lebanon and devastating for innocent Israeli and Lebanese civilians,” Austin stated at the start of his meeting with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant at the Pentagon.
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“Diplomacy is by far the best way to prevent further escalation. We are urgently seeking a diplomatic agreement that restores lasting calm to Israel’s northern border and enables civilians to return safely to their homes on both sides of the Israel-Lebanon border,” Austin added.
Israel’s national security adviser, Tzachi Hanegbi, has indicated that Israel will spend the coming weeks trying to resolve the conflict with Lebanon’s Iran-backed, heavily armed Hezbollah group and prefers a diplomatic solution.
Hanegbi mentioned that Israel has been discussing with U.S. officials the possibility that an expected end to intense Israeli military operations in Gaza could lead to an “arrangement” with Hezbollah.
At the Pentagon, Gallant stated he would discuss military readiness with Austin. “We are working closely to achieve an agreement, but we must also discuss readiness for every possible scenario,” Gallant said.
