WASHINGTON: The US stated its dedication to Israel’s defence was ironclad and that it was “postured” to assist its ally after the Israeli army stated on Sunday it had launched strikes in Lebanon to stop a significant 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 Common Pat Ryder stated.
“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 stated in an announcement.
A Pentagon spokesperson added in a separate assertion that the US has “been very clear” that it “is postured to assist the defence of Israel”.
Gallant introduced a 48-hour nationwide state of emergency in Israel from 6am (11am, Singapore time) on Sunday after the army launched what it referred to as pre-emptive strikes in Lebanon.
The Israeli defence ministry stated Gallant had briefed Austin on the state of affairs.
“We’ve got performed exact strikes in Lebanon with a view to thwart an imminent menace in opposition to the residents of Israel,” Gallant advised Austin, in response to an announcement.
US Nationwide Safety Council spokesman Sean Savett stated “senior US officers have been speaking constantly with their Israeli counterparts” on the route of President Joe Biden, who was “carefully monitoring occasions in Israel and Lebanon”.
“We’ll hold supporting Israel’s proper to defend itself, and we are going to hold working for regional stability,” Savett stated in an announcement.
Hezbollah issued an announcement on Sunday saying large-scale drone and rocket launches focusing on deep into Israeli territory in retaliation for the demise of its army commander in an Israeli strike final month.