Israel’s Ground Operation Against Hezbollah Gains Support from U.S. Defense Secretary

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin expressed American support for Israel’s limited ground operation against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon during a call with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on Monday. The operation, aimed at dismantling Hezbollah's attack infrastructure along the northern border, is seen as crucial to preventing future large-scale assaults on Israeli communities.

Austin and Gallant “agreed on the necessity of dismantling attack infrastructure along the border to ensure that Lebanese [Hezbollah] cannot conduct October 7-style attacks on Israel’s northern communities,” according to a Pentagon statement.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) began the operation early Tuesday morning, focusing on “limited, localized and targeted raids” against Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon, which pose an immediate threat to northern Israel. Israeli ground troops, backed by aerial and artillery support, targeted villages near the border in an effort to degrade Hezbollah’s capabilities.

While the U.S. supports Israel’s military action, Austin emphasized the need for a diplomatic resolution to the conflict, which has forced the evacuation of over 60,000 Israelis from the north since Hezbollah began cross-border attacks in support of Hamas in Gaza. “A diplomatic resolution is required to ensure that civilians can return safely to their homes on both sides of the border,” Austin said, adding that a long-term political solution would be needed to ensure regional stability.

The Biden administration, while backing Israel’s right to self-defense, expressed concerns about the operation's scope. The White House issued a statement supporting the effort to dismantle Hezbollah infrastructure but cautioned against the operation expanding beyond its original plan.

Despite these concerns, Gallant reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to protecting its citizens and highlighted the ongoing efforts to return residents of northern Israel to their homes. Gallant also briefed Austin on the strategic and operational measures required to achieve this mission.

In addition to discussions about Lebanon, the two defense leaders also touched on broader security concerns, including Iran’s potential response to the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Beirut. Austin reiterated that the U.S. is “well postured to defend U.S. personnel, partners, and allies” against any Iranian threats.

Austin further warned that any direct military attack by Iran on Israel would result in serious consequences for Tehran. Both Austin and Gallant agreed on the importance of deterring Iranian aggression and preventing any actor from exploiting the current conflict.

While the Pentagon backs Israel’s limited ground operation, the U.S. administration remains wary of the conflict escalating into a wider war, akin to the 2006 Lebanon War. The Biden administration has been in close communication with Israeli officials to ensure that the operation remains focused on Hezbollah targets along the border.

Despite U.S. support, an Israeli official accused Washington of leaking details about the operation, which could potentially endanger IDF soldiers. The official described the leak as “dangerous,” accusing the U.S. of attempting to limit the operation out of concern for its broader implications.

As Israel’s operation continues, both sides are working to balance military actions with diplomatic efforts aimed at ensuring the long-term safety of civilians on both sides of the border.

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