Austin: We are Urgently Seeking to Reach a Ceasefire Agreement between Israel and Hezbollah

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin confirmed that the United States is urgently seeking to reach a diplomatic agreement that would allow Israeli and Lebanese civilians to return to their homes on both sides of the border. Austin warned that a war between Hezbollah and Israel would be catastrophic. He stated, "America is striving to reach a diplomatic agreement to prevent the outbreak of such a war." He added, "Diplomacy is the best way to prevent further escalation. Therefore, we are urgently working to establish a diplomatic agreement that restores lasting calm to Israel's northern border and enables civilians to safely return to their homes on both sides of the Israeli-Lebanese border."