U.S. Defense Secretary Responds to Israel's Attack on Hezbollah Positions: Must Prevent Full-Scale War

In response to Israel's attack on Hezbollah positions in Beirut, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stated that the United States had no involvement in this operation. He noted that the operation occurred just hours prior and that they are still assessing it, emphasizing that "we must prevent a full-scale war." He added, "I know there are reports about today's attack in Beirut. I had a phone conversation with Yoav Gallant, the Israeli Defense Minister, but that call was made while the Israeli operation was underway." The U.S. Defense Secretary reiterated the importance of diplomacy as the only quick solution for the return of displaced Israeli and Lebanese citizens to their homes on both sides of the border. He concluded by stating that he would soon contact the Israeli Defense Minister again for more information on the developments. The Pentagon previously stated that the United States was not aware of the plans for this operation in advance. A spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Defense also confirmed that Lloyd Austin spoke with his Israeli counterpart during the execution of this operation. Reuters reported on Friday, October 6, citing eyewitnesses, that following the Israeli airstrikes on Hezbollah positions in southern Beirut, powerful explosions shook the Lebanese capital, and thick columns of smoke rose. The Israeli army announced on Friday that it targeted the central command headquarters of Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militia, in the outskirts of Beirut. Following this attack on Hezbollah's headquarters in southern Beirut, conflicting reports emerged regarding the fate of Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of the group. While hours have passed since images and news of the Israeli airstrike on Hezbollah's main headquarters in Beirut were released, no official news has been published regarding the definitive status of Hassan Nasrallah, the leader and secretary-general of Hezbollah. In the latest developments, Israeli Channels 11 and 13 confidently reported the death of Nasrallah and even his daughter in these attacks, while Arab media and Islamic Republic news sources express doubts about his survival and call for "prayers for Nasrallah's health." On the other hand, Ali Larijani and Ahmad Vahidi, two officials from the Islamic Republic, jointly stated on Iranian state television that "the resistance axis will replace any commander it loses with another commander," with social media users suggesting that these remarks indicate the removal of Hezbollah's leader. Amir Chahaki: Tehran and Tel Aviv have likely reached an agreement behind the scenes; Hezbollah will be the victim of this agreement. Netanyahu's opposition to the U.S. and French proposal for a three-week ceasefire with Hezbollah. The U.S. supported Israel's approach in the Gaza ceasefire negotiations. Shipping companies increased the "threat level" for vessels heading to Israeli ports. Israeli fighter jets attacked Hezbollah's "main command headquarters" in Beirut. Netanyahu warned the Islamic Republic: There is no place in Iran that is beyond the reach of Israel's long arms. Houthi attacks on Tel Aviv and Ashkelon; Israel: We intercepted and destroyed a missile launched from Yemen. The United Nations: 30,000 people fled from Lebanon to Syria in three days. Netanyahu: Israeli operations in Lebanon will continue until the missile attacks from Hezbollah stop. Blinken: The escalation of conflicts in Lebanon makes it harder for civilians to return home on both sides of the border.