In a proactive move to safeguard its territory, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) launched a series of strikes against Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon on Sunday morning.
The IDF's actions were in response to detected preparations by Hezbollah to launch missiles and rockets towards Israeli territory. The IDF's mission is to neutralize these threats before they can cause harm to Israel.
According to RedState, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, IDF Spokesperson, provided insight into the operation during a press briefing. He stated, "We are removing threats against the Israeli home front. Dozens of [Israeli Air Force] jets are currently striking targets in various locations in southern Lebanon. We are continuing to remove threats, and to intensively strike against the Hezbollah terrorist organization." Hagari further explained that Hezbollah was launching rockets and UAVs towards Israeli territory. He emphasized the role of Israel's aerial defense systems, the Israeli Navys ships, and IAF planes in defending Israels skies, identifying and intercepting threats, and striking any place in Lebanon that is required to remove threats and hit Hezbollah.
In the wake of these developments, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin expressed U.S. support for Israel's defense efforts. He shared a statement on social media, saying, "I called Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant yesterday to discuss Israels defense against Lebanese Hizballah attacks. I reaffirmed the United States ironclad commitment to Israels defense against any attacks by Iran and its regional partners and proxies."
Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant also confirmed their discussion on social media. He stated, "Conducted a joint situation assessment and spoke with @SecDef Austin about the precise strikes that the IDF has conducted in Lebanon in order to thwart an imminent threat against the citizens of Israel. We will use all the means at our disposal to defend Israel." Gallant further highlighted the importance of avoiding regional escalation and working together to ensure Israels defense as well as regional stability. He expressed gratitude towards Secretary Austin and U.S. leadership for standing with Israel.
Meanwhile, President Joe Biden was wrapping up his post-DNC vacation in Santa Ynez, California, preparing to head back to Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. Vice President Kamala Harris had returned to Washington, D.C., post-convention. At the time of reporting, neither had issued a statement regarding the latest developments in Israel. The silence from the White House raises questions about the administration's stance on the escalating situation in the Middle East, particularly given the U.S.'s historical support for Israel's right to self-defense.
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