US takes additional steps to bolster Israeli defense amid regional tensions
United States takes additional measures to support Israel’s defense. Photo: pexels
As tensions between Israel and Hezbollah rise, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin held talks with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant about the threat posed by Iran and other Iranian-backed terrorist groups.
Lloyd Austin said the United States was taking additional measures to support Israel’s defense, adding that further conflict was unnecessary and that all sides would benefit from a ceasefire and the release of hostages.
âYesterday, I spoke with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant about the threats posed by Iran, Lebanonâs Hezbollah, and other Iranian-backed terrorist groups. I informed the minister that we are taking additional measures to support Israelâs defense, including multiple future troop movements,â Austin said in a message on X.
âI also stressed that further escalation is not inevitable and that all parties would benefit from de-escalation, including through the conclusion of a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages,â he added.
Meanwhile, Marc Zell, vice chairman of Republicans Overseas and chairman of Republicans Overseas Israel, shared a message on X warning residents who have not yet evacuated to restrict their movement until further notice.
â11:02 p.m. tonight: The Upper Galilee Regional Council, after consultation with the IDF, has warned residents of all communities that have not yet been evacuated to restrict their movements tonight, avoid large gatherings and remain near bomb shelters until further notice,â Marc Zell said on X.
On Saturday, the US issued a warning urging its citizens to âbook every available ticketâ to leave Lebanon.
The US Embassy in Lebanon issued an advisory urging US citizens who choose not to leave Lebanon to âprepare contingency plans for emergencies.â
“The U.S. Embassy notes that several airlines have suspended or canceled flights and many flights are sold out; however, commercial transportation options to leave Lebanon remain available. Please review available flight options at Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport. We encourage those wishing to leave Lebanon to book any available ticket, even if that flight is not departing immediately or is not on their first-choice route,” the U.S. Embassy in Lebanon wrote in its advisory.
âU.S. citizens who do not have sufficient financial resources to return to the United States can contact the embassy for financial assistance through repatriation loans. We encourage U.S. citizens who choose not to leave Lebanon to develop emergency plans and be prepared to remain home for an extended period of time,â the report said.
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First print: Aug 04, 2024 | 07:46 AM IST