WASHINGTON: In a phone conversation with his Israeli colleague on Saturday, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin emphasized that the United States remained committed to a diplomatic settlement in Lebanon and urged Israel to ease the “dire” situation in Gaza.
A Pentagon official claimed that during his talk with Israel Katz, Austin “reiterated US commitment to a diplomatic resolution in Lebanon that allows Israeli and Lebanese civilians to return safely to their homes on both sides of the border.” The defense minister emphasized that Israel would “continue to act decisively in response to Hezbollah’s attacks on civilian populations in Israel,” according to a Katz spokesperson.
His spokesperson stated that during the phone, “Katz praised US efforts to facilitate de-escalation in Lebanon, emphasized Israel’s commitment to restoring security that would enable northern residents to return to their homes safely.
In an attempt to broker a settlement to the conflict, US envoy Amos Hochstein met with senior officials in Israel and Lebanon this week.
Austin also “emphasized the US commitment to securing the release of all hostages, including US citizens,” and “urged the Government of Israel to continue taking steps to improve the dire humanitarian conditions in Gaza” during the call.
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