US: Our support for Israel ‘won’t change in the future'

US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin confirmed yesterday that the US will maintain its military support for Israel, dismissing concerns over “red lines,” despite warning that a full-scale war between Israel and Hezbollah would have disastrous consequences.

Israel dismissed international calls for a ceasefire with Hezbollah and continued its military strikes, which have killed more than 700 in Lebanon and escalated fears of a broader regional conflict.

When questioned about potential limits to US support for Israel, Austin emphasised that America’s commitment to Israel’s defence remains steadfast. He reiterated calls for a ceasefire and a diplomatic resolution to the crisis.

“We’ve been committed from the very beginning to help Israel, provide the things that are necessary for them to be able to protect their sovereign territory and that hasn’t changed and won’t change in the future,” Austin stated following a meeting in London with his British and Australian counterparts.

Moreover, Israel announced yesterday that it is set to receive a military aid package from the US totalling $8.7 billion, Anadolu Agency reports.

The package coincides with the fourth consecutive day of extensive Israeli strikes against Lebanon, described as the largest in nearly 20 years.

Austin acknowledged the increasing risk of an all-out war between Israel and Hezbollah but stressed that a diplomatic resolution remains possible.

Despite polls showing more than half of Americans believe military aid to Israel should be restricted, Washington continues to provide significant military assistance to Tel Aviv.

“We now face the risk of an all-out war. Another full-scale war [could] be devastating for both Israel and Lebanon,” Austin warned. “So let me be clear, Israel and Lebanon can choose a different path, despite the sharp escalation in recent days, a diplomatic solution is still viable.”

Israel has pounded Lebanon since early Monday in strikes that have killed more than 700 people and injured more than 2,500 others, according to figures released by the Ministry of Health.

The international community has warned against the strikes on Lebanon, as they raise the spectre of a regional war.

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