US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin Talks with Israel’s Yoav Gallant Amid Tensions with Hezbollah
Washington [US], August 4: Amid rising tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin held discussions with Israel Defence Minister Yoav Gallant about threats from Iran and other Iranian-backed terrorist groups. Austin stated that the US is taking additional measures to support Israel’s defense and emphasized the need for de-escalation and a ceasefire.
“Yesterday I spoke with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant about the threats posed by Iran, Lebanese Hizballah, and other Iranian-backed terrorist groups. I informed the Minister that we are taking additional measures to support the defense of Israel, to include multiple forthcoming force posture moves,” Austin said in a post on X. “I also highlighted that further escalation is not inevitable, and all parties would benefit from de-escalation, including through completing a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal,” he added.
Meanwhile, Marc Zell, Vice President of Republicans Overseas and Chairman of Republicans Overseas Israel, issued a warning to Upper Galilee residents to limit their movement and stay close to bomb shelters.
“11:02 pm tonight: the Upper Galilee Regional Council after consultation with the IDF has warned the residents of all communities who have not evacuated to restrict their movement tonight, avoid any large gatherings and stay close to bomb shelters until further notice,” Marc Zell said on X.
On Saturday, the US issued an alert advising its citizens to leave Lebanon. The US Embassy in Lebanon urged citizens to book any available ticket and prepare for emergencies if they choose to stay.
“The US Embassy notes several airlines have suspended or cancelled flights, and many flights have sold out; however, commercial transportation options to leave Lebanon remain available. Please see available flight options at Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport. We encourage those who wish to depart Lebanon to book any ticket available to them, even if that flight does not depart immediately or does not follow their first-choice route,” the US Embassy in Lebanon wrote in its advisory.
“US citizens who lack funds to return to the United States may contact the embassy for financial assistance via repatriation loans. We recommend that US citizens who choose not to depart Lebanon prepare contingency plans for emergency situations and be prepared to shelter in place for an extended period of time,” it further stated.
Doubts Revealed
US Defence Secretary -: The US Defence Secretary is the person in charge of the military in the United States. Right now, that person is Lloyd Austin.
Israel -: Israel is a country in the Middle East. It is known for its history and is a place where many different religions are important.
Hezbollah -: Hezbollah is a group in Lebanon that has its own army and is involved in politics. Some countries consider it a terrorist group.
Iranian-backed groups -: These are groups that get support from Iran, a country in the Middle East. They often have weapons and can be involved in conflicts.
de-escalation -: De-escalation means trying to make a tense or dangerous situation less serious or intense.
Marc Zell -: Marc Zell is a person who gave a warning to people living in Upper Galilee, an area in Israel, to be careful and stay safe.
US Embassy in Lebanon -: An embassy is a place where a country has offices in another country. The US Embassy in Lebanon helps Americans who are in Lebanon.
