WASHINGTON: The US mentioned its dedication to Israel’s defence was ironclad and that it was “postured” to help its ally after the Israeli navy mentioned on Sunday it had launched strikes in Lebanon to stop a serious assault by Hezbollah.
US Protection Secretary Lloyd Austin had spoken with Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant about Israel’s defence in opposition to assaults by the Iran-backed Lebanese militant group, Pentagon spokesman Main Normal Pat Ryder mentioned.
“Secretary Austin reaffirmed the US’ ironclad dedication to Israel’s defence in opposition to any assaults by Iran and its regional companions and proxies,” Ryder mentioned in a press release.
A Pentagon spokesperson added in a separate assertion that the US has “been very clear” that it “is postured to help the defence of Israel”.
Gallant introduced a 48-hour nationwide state of emergency in Israel from 6am (11am, Singapore time) on Sunday after the navy launched what it referred to as pre-emptive strikes in Lebanon.
The Israeli defence ministry mentioned Gallant had briefed Austin on the state of affairs.
“We’ve carried out exact strikes in Lebanon as a way to thwart an imminent risk in opposition to the residents of Israel,” Gallant instructed Austin, based on a press release.
US Nationwide Safety Council spokesman Sean Savett mentioned “senior US officers have been speaking constantly with their Israeli counterparts” on the course of President Joe Biden, who was “carefully monitoring occasions in Israel and Lebanon”.
“We’ll preserve supporting Israel’s proper to defend itself, and we’ll preserve working for regional stability,” Savett mentioned in a press release.
Hezbollah issued a press release on Sunday asserting large-scale drone and rocket launches focusing on deep into Israeli territory in retaliation for the demise of its navy commander in an Israeli strike final month.
