Austin and Gallant Discuss; United States Expresses Concern Over Escalating Tensions Between Israel and Hezbollah

On Thursday, September 29, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin expressed America's concern over the escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah during a conversation with his Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant. According to the U.S. Department of Defense website, spokesperson Pat Ryder announced the discussion and added that Mr. Austin emphasized the importance of making every possible effort to achieve a diplomatic solution that would end Hezbollah's attacks and allow residents on both sides of the border to return home safely. He also stressed the necessity of reaching a ceasefire agreement in Gaza that would bring all hostages home. In this conversation, Lloyd Austin reaffirmed the unwavering, steadfast, and ironclad commitment of the United States to Israel's security. The report did not mention the stance of the Israeli Defense Minister. Additionally, Mr. Gallant had previously announced the beginning of a 'new phase of war' on Thursday. Yoav Gallant stated that this 'new phase of war' involves 'significant opportunities as well as heavy risks.' According to him, Hezbollah feels it is being pursued, and Israeli military operations will continue. Meanwhile, the Israeli army announced on Thursday night that its fighter jets targeted 'hundreds of rockets' ready for immediate launch towards Israel. The Israeli army explained in its Telegram channel the details of its air operations against Hezbollah positions in Lebanon, stating that it attacked approximately 100 rocket launchers and other military infrastructures, including around 1,000 rockets that were ready for immediate launch. Three Lebanese security officials told Reuters that these were 'the heaviest airstrikes since the beginning of the conflict' last October. Reports indicate that dozens of Israeli airstrikes occurred within two hours. The Lebanese state news agency reported that the number of these attacks in southern Lebanon exceeded 50, stating that the Israeli army's operations took place after 9 PM local time. Hours before announcing the destruction of 1,000 Hezbollah rockets, the Israeli army stated that it was carrying out a new wave of extensive airstrikes against this group's targets in southern Lebanon to eliminate Hezbollah's capabilities. On Thursday, September 29, while announcing the news of these extensive airstrikes, the Israeli army added that while trying to achieve all 'other war objectives,' it aims to ensure security in the north of the country so that residents in these areas can return to their homes. The Israeli airstrikes followed the extensive explosion of Hezbollah's pager and wireless devices on Tuesday and Wednesday, September 27 and 28. As a result of the explosions of the pagers and wireless devices of Hezbollah members, at least 37 people were killed and over 3,000 were injured. While the Lebanese government and Hezbollah, along with the Islamic Republic and Hamas, another Tehran-backed group, have accused Israel of these actions, the country has not yet confirmed or denied it. Iran's proxies in Iraq are concerned about similar attacks on Hezbollah. A shadow of shock and fear looms over Lebanon following two days of cyber and military operations against Hezbollah. Taipei: The parts of the exploded pagers in Lebanon and Syria were not made in Taiwan. A brief visit by the U.S. Secretary of State to France; a multilateral meeting regarding the Middle East was held. Blinken: We call for restraint in the region, especially in Lebanon. Nasrallah acknowledges the severe military and security damage inflicted on Hezbollah: it was unprecedented in history.