The US emphasized its determination to reach a diplomatic solution to the situation in Lebanon.
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke on the phone with Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz on Saturday, stressing the US’s commitment to a diplomatic solution to the situation in Lebanon. He also called on Israel to improve the “terrible” conditions in the Gaza Strip. This was stated by the spokesperson of the US Department of Defense, writes TASR according to Reuters and AFP agencies.
In the phone call, according to the spokesman, Austin “reiterated the US commitment to reach a diplomatic solution in Lebanon that will allow Israeli and Lebanese civilians to return safely to their homes on both sides of the border.”
Israel called for the improvement of conditions in the Gaza Strip
“Secretary Austin emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety and security of the Lebanese Armed Forces and UNIFIL (United Nations peacekeeping forces) in Lebanon,” the Pentagon reports.
The head of the US Department of Defense also called on the Israeli government to continue taking measures to improve the dire humanitarian conditions in Gaza and emphasized the commitment of the US to ensure the release of all hostages, including US citizens. Austin and Kac also talked about ongoing Israeli operations.
