US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin expressed serious concern on Thursday about the escalating tensions in Lebanon and northern Israel, warning that another full-scale war would be “devastating” for both nations.
Speaking alongside British and Australian defence ministers in London, Austin highlighted that nearly a year later, thousands of civilians from both Israel and Lebanon remain unable to return home due to the conflict.
He said that diplomacy is the only viable path forward, stating that despite the recent surge in violence, a diplomatic solution is still possible. Austin also supported calls for a 21-day ceasefire to allow time for negotiations, ensuring a long-term resolution and addressing the situation in Gaza.
His comments followed an AUKUS defence meeting where regional security and the need for a ceasefire were discussed. Both Australian and British defence ministers echoed Austin’s concerns, urging a halt to the violence. The conflict between Hezbollah and Israel, which began following Israel’s war on Gaza, has claimed thousands of lives and displaced tens of thousands in both countries.
