The United States has declared its commitment to defend Israel if it comes under attack from Hezbollah, according to Defence Chief Lloyd Austin. Speaking on Tuesday, Austin affirmed, “If Israel is attacked, yes, we will help Israel defend itself. We’ve been clear about that from the very beginning,” during a press conference in the Philippines.
While emphasising the US preference for a diplomatic resolution, Austin expressed concerns over the potential for conflict between Israel and Lebanon escalating into a full-scale fight.
Austin’s remarks follow an Israeli strike near the Hezbollah Shura Council headquarters in Haret Hreik. The state-run National News Agency reported that the attack was executed by an Israeli drone, which fired three missiles into a building in Beirut’s southern suburb, destroying two floors. The Israeli army confirmed the strike, stating it targeted a Hezbollah commander linked to a recent missile attack that killed 12 people in Majdal Shams, an area in the Israel-occupied Golan Heights.
Hezbollah has denied responsibility for the Saturday missile attack, and there has been no immediate comment from the group regarding the latest Israeli strike.
The situation has heightened fears of a full-blown war between Israel and Hezbollah, following an increase in cross-border attacks. This escalation occurs amid an ongoing deadly Israeli onslaught on the Gaza Strip, which has resulted in over 39,300 deaths since October, following an attack by the Palestinian Resistance group, Hamas.
The US stance portrays its longstanding alliance with Israel and highlights the volatile nature of regional tensions that have the potential to escalate rapidly.