US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin engaged in a conversation with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant on Thursday to address Israel’s military activities in Lebanon. The Pentagon revealed that Austin stressed the significance of safeguarding the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) personnel in the region during the discussion.
UNIFIL, the UN's peacekeeping unit in Lebanon, disclosed that Israeli troops had targeted its positions, resulting in injuries to two of its members. This development prompted Austin's outreach following concerns raised by UN Under-Secretary General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix, who characterized the escalating hostilities between Israeli forces and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon as a grave threat to peacekeepers.
During the call with Gallant, Austin reiterated the US's dedication to achieving a diplomatic resolution that ensures the safe return of both Lebanese and Israeli civilians to their respective homes on either side of the border. The Pentagon conveyed Austin's encouragement for Israel to transition from military actions to a diplomatic course at the earliest feasible opportunity.
Reports indicate that the military operations conducted by Israel in Lebanon since the end of last month have resulted in the tragic loss of over 1,400 lives.
