The United States appeared out of step with the rest of the globe as it pledged its support for Israel’s ground incursion into Lebanon.While voices from across the world urged on Tuesday a ceasefire and a step back from the brink of all-out war, Washington declared the “limited” ground offensive into southern Lebanon as “Israel’s right to defend itself”.
Israeli troops advanced into Lebanon overnight on Tuesday, in a widely anticipated move. The military said in a statement that the raids were “limited, localised and targeted” against Hezbollah.
However, the advance further raises the risk of a wider escalation in the fight with the Iran-backed armed group or even across the region, and the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Japan have all been quick to express deep concern.
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said that he had told Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant that Washington agrees on the need for a ground offensive to rid Lebanon’s southern border area of Hezbollah weapons and other means it can use to carry out attacks across the border.
“I made it clear that the United States supports Israel’s right to defend itself,” Austin said.
I spoke with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant today to discuss security developments and Israeli operations. I made it clear that the United States supports Israel’s right to defend itself. We agreed on the necessity of dismantling attack infrastructure along the border…
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