After Israel launched airstrikes on the Hezbollah headquarters in Beirut on Friday, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin held two phone conversations with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. Austin reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to protect Israel from Iranian and its proxy organizations’ infringements.
According to a statement released by the Pentagon on Saturday, Secretary of Defense Austin expressed full support for Israel in defending its rights and people against Iranian-backed terrorist groups during his conversation with Gallant.
“The Secretary of Defense emphasized the U.S.’s determination to prevent Iran and its partners and proxies from exploiting the situation or escalating the conflict,” the statement said. “He made it clear that the U.S. will continue to protect American troops and facilities in the region and is dedicated to defending Israel.”
Austin warned on Friday that a full-scale war between Israel and Hezbollah would have “devastating” consequences. In an interview with CNN, he stated that casualties would likely be “equal to or exceed” those in Gaza.
Austin reiterated the U.S.’s desire for a “diplomatic solution” and expressed concerns that an Israeli military invasion of Lebanon could escalate the situation into a regional conflict.
On Saturday, Israel and Iranian-backed armed groups continued to engage in fierce battles. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that missiles launched from Lebanon on Saturday evening targeted areas near Jerusalem, prompting Israel to sound air raid sirens.
Local authorities stated that the missiles hit an open area, causing a fire and resulting in power outages in nearby settlements.
The fire department reported efforts to extinguish the fire caused by missile strikes near the “Mitzpe Hagit” outpost. No casualties were reported in the attack.
Additionally, Israel’s military announced that air raid sirens were heard in central Israel, including Tel Aviv, on Saturday, after a missile was launched from Yemen and intercepted, causing a loud explosion.
The Houthi armed group from Yemen claimed responsibility for launching a ballistic missile near Ben Gurion International Airport, close to Tel Aviv.
They mentioned that the timing of the attack coincided with the arrival of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the airport. Netanyahu returned to Israel early after addressing the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Friday.
This was the second attack launched by the Houthi armed group against Israel in less than two days, following the interception of another missile by the Israeli military earlier on Friday.
The Houthi armed group, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and Palestinian armed group Hamas are considered as Iran’s proxy organizations in the Middle East.
Israel targeted Beirut, Lebanon on Friday, killing Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.
Prime Minister Netanyahu stated in a television address on Saturday night that Nasrallah was the “core engine of the Iran evil axis.”
The Houthi armed group, Hamas, and Iran responded to Nasrallah’s death on Saturday with various statements. Iran vowed to retaliate.