U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin on Saturday expressed full backing for Israel’s right to defend itself against Iranian terror threats.
In two phone calls held with his Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant, “The secretary expressed full support for Israel’s right to defend itself and its people against Iranian backed terrorist groups,” according to a readout of the calls provided by Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder.
On Saturday night, Gallant held a situation assessment regarding the prospective expansion of Israel Defense Forces activities against Hezbollah in Lebanon, according to a statement from his office. The briefing was attended by IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi and other top military brass.
During their conversations on Saturday, Austin “stressed that the United States is determined to prevent Iran and Iranian-backed partners and proxies from exploiting the situation or expanding the conflict,” according to the Pentagon.
“The Secretary made it clear that the United States remains postured to protect U.S. forces and facilities in the region and committed to the defense of Israel,” it added.
Earlier, U.S. President Joe Biden praised the strike on Nasrallah, saying the terror chief’s death had brought “a measure of justice” to his thousands of victims.
“Hassan Nasrallah and the terrorist group he led, Hezbollah, were responsible for killing hundreds of Americans over a four-decade reign of terror. His death from an Israeli airstrike is a measure of justice for his many victims, including thousands of Americans, Israelis, and Lebanese civilians,” he said.
“The United States fully supports Israel’s right to defend itself against Hezbollah, Hamas, the Houthis and any other Iranian-supported terrorist groups,” said Biden on Saturday.
Washington’s ultimate aim “is to de-escalate the ongoing conflicts in both Gaza and Lebanon through diplomatic means,” added the president.
