Austin says he spoke to Yoav Gallant to discuss Israel's operations in Lebanon. He adds that he reaffirmed the US' support of Israel's "right to defend itself", and a US commitment to a "diplomatic arrangement that safely returns both Lebanese and Israeli civilians to their homes on both sides of the border".

Tensions between the Israeli Defense Forces and UNIFIL have increased since Israel launched a ground invasion last week, escalating the country's fight against Hezbollah. Israeli airstrikes hit a crowded neighborhood in central Beirut yesterday,

STORY: Israeli forces fired at a watchtower used by U.N. peacekeepers on Friday (October 11) injuring two.:: September, 2024That’s according to a U.N. source. :: FileIt’s the third day in a row peacekeepers at headquarters in Naqoura have reported Israeli fire at their positions.