US and Israel agree on dismantling Hezbollah positions at southern border

US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant emphasize the need to dismantle Hezbollah's attack infrastructure along Israel's southern border. They highlight the importance of a diplomatic resolution to ensure civilian safety and stability in the region.

Defense leaders emphasize military action and diplomacy to secure the region and ensure civilian safety.

Austin and Gallant stress transitioning from military operations to diplomacy to guarantee long-term security and stability.

US, Israel, Hezbollah, dismantling, diplomacy, regional security

MADRID, Oct 1 (EUROPA PRESS) -U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin held a phone conversation on Monday with his Israeli counterpart, Yoav Gallant, during which both agreed on the need to "dismantle" the positions of the Lebanese Shiite militia Hezbollah along the southern border with Israel, where the Israeli military has recently launched a "limited" ground operation.

"(Austin and Gallant) agreed on the necessity of dismantling the attack infrastructure along the border to ensure that Hezbollah cannot carry out attacks similar to those of October 7 against communities in northern Israel. The Secretary reaffirmed that a diplomatic resolution is required to ensure that civilians on both sides of the border can safely return to their homes," read a statement from the Pentagon.

In this context, Austin stressed the importance of transitioning from military operations to diplomatic efforts to "provide security and stability as soon as possible."

He also reiterated support for Israel's right to defend itself against Iran, Hezbollah, the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas), Yemen's Houthis, and other pro-Iranian militias, warning Tehran of the "severe consequences" of launching a "direct military attack" on Israeli territory.

Additionally, Austin emphasized that the United States is "well-positioned" in the region to defend both its personnel and its partners and allies against "threats from Iran" and its affiliated militias, aiming to "prevent any actor from exploiting tensions or escalating the conflict."