Lebanon, Israeli Defense Minister meets his American counterpart: “Ready for any scenario”

The Israeli Minister of Defense, Yoav Gallant, said the Jewish state was “determined to establish security” on its northern border with Lebanon, but must “be prepared for all possible scenarios.” Gallant’s office made this known, citing the minister’s statements during his meeting in Washington with the US Secretary of Defense, Lloyd Austin. Israel is “committed to establishing security, changing the reality on the ground and bringing our communities home safely,” Gallant said. “We are working closely to reach an agreement, but we also need to discuss preparedness for all possible scenarios,” the minister said, later calling Iran “the greatest threat to the future of our world and the future of our region.” Time is running out.

It is time to deliver on the commitment of U.S. administrations that have promised over the years to prevent Iran from possessing nuclear weapons,” Gallant said. The minister said “the people of Israel will never forget” American support following the attack by the Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas on October 7, 2023. “Today we are at a crossroads,” said Gallant, adding: “I am here to discuss our common goals: ensuring the security of the State of Israel and strengthening the power ties between our countries. Concerning the Gaza Strip, the minister demanded that Israel and the United States commit to returning all hostages “without exception” and to “put an end to the terrorist regime” of Hamas.

The United States is “extremely concerned” by the “increasing number” of missile attacks along the Israel-Lebanon border by Hezbollah forces, leading to a significant increase in tensions between the two countries, said Lloyd Austin, during a summit conversation. The Pentagon with its Israeli counterpart. “A war between Israel and Lebanon could easily become a regional conflict, with terrible consequences for the entire Middle East: diplomacy is the best tool we have to avoid escalation,” he said.