US Defence Secy Austin calls Israeli Defence Minister Gallant, assures US' commitment to Israel’s security

US Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin called Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant to discuss continued exchanges of fire on the Israel-Lebanon border and the risk of escalation from Iran, Lebanese Hezbollah, and Iran-backed terrorist groups across the Middle East and assured United States’ commitment to Israel’s security.

US Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III tweets, "I called Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant yesterday to discuss continued exchanges of fire on the Israel-Lebanon border and the risk of escalation from Iran, Lebanese Hizballah, and Iran-backed terrorist groups across… pic.twitter.com/nTbCRoqfep

— ANI (@ANI) August 23, 2024

Taking to X, Austin said “I called Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant yesterday to discuss continued exchanges of fire on the Israel-Lebanon border and the risk of escalation from Iran, Lebanese Hizballah, and Iran-backed terrorist groups across the Middle East.”

He said that he confirmed the US’ commitment to Israel’s security and shared that Washington is well postured across the region to defend Israel and protect US personnel and facilities.

“Minister Gallant and I also discussed progress towards securing a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of all hostages, and I underscored the importance of finalizing a deal,” Austin added.

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Israeli forces were engaged in combat with Hamas inside Gaza and were involved in daily skirmishes with Hezbollah along the northern border with Lebanon.

A low-level conflict, primarily consisting of airstrikes, persisted with Iranian-backed forces in Syria. Also, Israel faced drone attacks from the Houthis in Yemen, though these strikes were largely ineffective.

The day following Israel’s bombing of an Iranian diplomatic facility in Damascus, the situation escalated. Within two weeks, Iran retaliated by launching 300 missiles and drones at Israel, adding a new front to the ongoing conflict.

The opening of this new front with Iran raises significant concerns about Israel’s ability to manage multiple conflicts simultaneously, especially in what seems to be an indefinite state of hostilities.

Following this, the Middle East was on high alert after Iran pledged to retaliate against Israel for two recent strikes. On July 31, Israel assassinated Hamas leader Ismael Haniyeh in Tehran, followed by an airstrike on Hezbollah’s senior commander, Fuad Shukr, in Lebanon.

With inputs from agencies