U.S., Israel agree on need to destroy Hezbollah sites along border

The U.S. and Israel agree on the to destroy Hezbollah, and the “necessity of dismantling attack infrastructure” along the Lebanon border, the Pentagon has said.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin had spoken with his Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant to review security developments and Israeli operations, his department said in a statement.

The U.S. and Israel had agreed on “the necessity of dismantling attack infrastructure along the border” to ensure that Lebanese Hezbollah militia could not conduct October 7-style attacks on Israel’s northern communities.

“The Secretary reaffirmed that a diplomatic resolution is required to ensure that civilians can return safely to their homes on both sides of the border.”

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The pair had also discussed the “importance of ultimately pivoting from military operations to a diplomatic pathway to provide security and stability as soon as feasible,” the statement added.

Austin had again assured Israel of Washington’s full support to defend itself against Iran-backed terrorist organisations, the Pentagon said.

The Israeli military said early on Tuesday it had begun “targeted ground raids based on precise intelligence,” against Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon.

Ahead of the Israeli announcement, Washington on Monday said it had been informed of the planned “limited operations” on the Lebanese border.

The Pentagon added the U.S. was well postured to defend its personnel, partners, and allies in the face of threats from Iran and Iran-backed terrorist organisations.

“The Secretary and Minister Gallant discussed the serious consequences for Iran in the event Iran chooses to launch a direct military attack against Israel,” the statement added.

dpa/NAN