The U.S. government is pressuring Israel to prevent the Gaza Strip war from spreading to other parts of the Middle East, such as Lebanon.
According to major foreign media on the 25th (local time), U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin met with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant in Washington, D.C., and said, "Diplomacy is the best way to prevent the escalation of tensions."
Secretary Austin stated, "Hezbollah's provocations pose a threat that could drag the people of Israel and Lebanon into an unwanted war," adding, "Such a war would be a disaster for Lebanon and deadly for innocent civilians in both Israel and Lebanon."
He continued, "Another war between Israel and Hezbollah could easily become a regional conflict, which would have terrible consequences for the Middle East. We are urgently seeking a diplomatic agreement to restore lasting calm along Israel's northern border and ensure that civilians on both sides of the Israel-Lebanon border can safely return home."
In response, Minister Galant said, "We are working closely to reach an agreement, but we must also discuss preparations for all possible scenarios," emphasizing, "There is little time left. Now is the time to fulfill the U.S. administration's commitment to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons."
Earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on the 23rd that while he would pressure Hezbollah to withdraw far from the Israeli border, he is prepared to wage a full-scale war if necessary.
The U.S. is concerned about the expansion of the war, with fronts forming not only in the Gaza Strip but also in northern Israel. In particular, it is wary of the possibility of direct Iranian involvement in the war.
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