Live Update 
From the Liveblog of
Friday, September 20, 2024
From the Liveblog of
Friday, September 20, 2024
Austin stresses need for diplomatic solution to Hezbollah threat in call with Gallant
US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin spoke with Defense Minister Yoav Gallant earlier today, according to a readout from the Pentagon.
Austin “reiterated his concern” over the escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, the readout states, and emphasized the US’s belief in the “importance of reaching a diplomatic resolution that enables residents to return safely to their homes on both sides of the border.”
He told Gallant that the US was continuing to push for a hostage release-ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, and reaffirmed the US’s commitment to Israel’s security, it adds.
