The US Secretary of Defense downplays the idea of ​​“red lines” in support of Israel

London – US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin confirmed yesterday, Thursday, that the United States will continue to provide military support to Israel and downplayed the idea of ​​“red lines,” but warned that the outbreak of a comprehensive conflict between Israel and the Lebanese faction movement would be devastating.

Israel rejected global calls for a mutual ceasefire with the Iranian-backed Lebanese factions on Thursday, challenging the United States, its largest ally, to continue the strikes that led to the deaths of hundreds in Lebanon and fueled fears of the outbreak of a regional war.

When asked about the “red lines” of Washington’s support for Israel, Austin responded that the United States would not change its commitment to helping Israel protect itself. He repeated American calls for a ceasefire and a diplomatic solution to the crisis.

Austin said after a meeting with his British and Australian counterparts in London, “We have been committed from the beginning to helping Israel and providing them with the necessary things to be able to protect the sovereignty of their lands, and that has not changed and will not change in the future.”

On Thursday, Israel announced obtaining an aid package worth $8.7 billion from the United States to support its current military efforts and maintain military superiority in the region.

Austin stated that there is a risk of an all-out war breaking out between the Lebanese factions and Israel, but added that a diplomatic solution is still possible.

“We now face the risk of an all-out war,” he added. Another all-out war (could) be devastating to both Israel and Lebanon.”

Austin continued, “So let me be clear: Israel and Lebanon can choose another path, and despite the sharp escalation in the past few days, the diplomatic solution still exists.”

He added that the fastest way for Israel to achieve its goal of returning the residents of the north to their homes is diplomacy.

Israel pledged to secure the north and return thousands of residents to their homes after they evacuated due to Lebanese factions launching cross-border strikes last year in solidarity with Palestinian militants fighting in the Gaza Strip.

Reuters