US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin reaffirmed on Sunday during a phone call with his Israeli counterpart, Yoav Gallant, Washington's unwavering commitment to Israel’s security.
He also expressed the US’s support for a ceasefire in Gaza and reaching a diplomatic solution that would allow residents on both sides of the Israeli-Lebanese border to safely return to their homes.
Austin added that Washington maintains significant capabilities in the region to defend American personnel and facilities, and to provide further support to Israel in defending itself and preventing further escalation, the Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth's website reported.
A year after Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack, Israel has opened a new front in Lebanon against Hezbollah, which has traded fire with Israel along the border since the war in Gaza began. Israel also has vowed to strike Iran after a ballistic missile attack on Israel last week.
