During a G7 defense ministers meeting in Italy, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin expressed the United States' desire for Israel to reduce its strikes in and around Beirut. Austin emphasized the importance of transitioning towards negotiations to ensure the safety of civilians on both sides of the border.
Austin highlighted his intention to continue advocating for de-escalation in his discussions with Israel's Defense Minister. The Pentagon confirmed that Austin and his Israeli counterpart reviewed the deployment of a THAAD missile defense system in Israel.
