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Working With Israel to De-Escalate Conflict in the Middle East
U.S. Department of Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin recently met with Israel's Defense Minister Yoav Gallant to discuss crafting a lasting peace in the Middle East. One major concern is Iran’s destabilizing activities, including the backing of Hezbollah terrorist groups in Lebanon. “I am extremely concerned about the rise in rocket attacks on Israel's north from Lebanese Hezbollah and the recent surge in tensions,” said Secretary Austin.
“Hezbollah's rocket attacks means more suffering for the more than 60,000 Israelis now displaced from their homes, and for tens of thousands of displaced Lebanese. Hezbollah's provocations threaten to drag the Israeli and Lebanese people into a war that they do not want, and such a war would be a catastrophe for Lebanon and it would be devastating for innocent Israeli and Lebanese civilians.”
A diplomatic solution is the best way to restore lasting calm across the Israel-Lebanon border, said Secretary Austin. Hezbollah has tied its attacks on Israel to the conflict in Gaza, providing another reason why the ceasefire and hostage proposal put forth by Israel and approved by both President Joe Biden and the United Nations Security Council should be approved. However, Hamas has yet to accept these terms.
“The failure of Hamas to accept this important proposal is prolonging the agony of Palestinian civilians and Israeli civilians alike,” said Secretary Austin. “Now, Israel recently conducted a daring operation to rescue four hostages unjustly held by Hamas in Gaza. And we won't rest until all of the hostages are safely home, including American citizens.”
Secretary Austin said that although “Israel is in a hard fight against a cruel and ruthless foe,” it must continue to do more to protect Palestinians in Gaza and continue to increase the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza. The United States will also work with Israel and the Palestinian Authority “to increase security in the West Bank and bring stability to Gaza by credible planning for a postwar period, and by moving on a path towards a two state solution.”
“Israelis and Palestinians both have the right to live in dignity and security. And as we move forward, our security bond with Israel will remain rock solid,” he said.
The United States will prioritize the protection of human life in the Middle East, and will work closely with Israel to ensure conflict does not escalate in the region.