WASHINGTON: America stated its dedication to Israel’s defence was ironclad and that it was “postured” to help its ally after the Israeli navy stated 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 towards assaults by the Iran-backed Lebanese militant group, Pentagon spokesman Main Normal Pat Ryder stated.
“Secretary Austin reaffirmed the USA’ ironclad dedication to Israel’s defence towards any assaults by Iran and its regional companions and proxies,” Ryder stated in a press release.
A Pentagon spokesperson added in a separate assertion that the USA 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 known as pre-emptive strikes in Lebanon.
The Israeli defence ministry stated Gallant had briefed Austin on the scenario.
“Now we have carried out exact strikes in Lebanon to be able to thwart an imminent menace towards the residents of Israel,” Gallant informed Austin, based on a press release.
US Nationwide Safety Council spokesman Sean Savett stated “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 maintain supporting Israel’s proper to defend itself, and we are going to maintain working for regional stability,” Savett stated in a press release.
Hezbollah issued a press release on Sunday saying large-scale drone and rocket launches focusing on deep into Israeli territory in retaliation for the dying of its navy commander in an Israeli strike final month.
