U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin spoke with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant to discuss security developments and Israeli operations, the Pentagon website reported on Sept. 30 .
“Austin reaffirmed US support for Israel’s right to defend itself against Iran, Lebanon’s Hezbollah, Hamas, the Houthis and other Iranian-backed terrorist organizations,” the statement said.
As noted, Austin and Gallant agreed that it was necessary to “dismantle” attack infrastructure along the border so that the Lebanese Shiite organization Hezbollah could not strike Israeli territory. They also noted the importance of moving from military operations to a diplomatic path to ensure security and stability as soon as possible.
The day before, the US government announced that it would send several thousand additional troops to the Middle East to strengthen security and “be prepared to defend Israel if necessary.” According to Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh, the increased presence will include several squadrons of fighter jets. The total number of troops in the region will increase to 43,000.
On September 29, it became known that American authorities are recommending that Israel not conduct a ground operation in Lebanon; US forces in the region are preparing for a possible response from Iran to the assassination of the head of the Shiite movement Hezbollah, Hassan Nasrallah.
The IDF announced the elimination of Nasrallah on September 28. The head of the Shiite movement, as well as the commander of the Southern Front, Ali Kerhi and other Hezbollah commanders, were eliminated the day before during Operation New Order. That same day, six buildings collapsed after Israeli strikes on a Beirut suburb.