In a series of events that have heightened tensions in the Middle East, Israel alerted US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin about an impending military operation in Lebanon on 2024-09-17. This notification, lacking specific details, preceded attacks on thousands of communication devices belonging to Hezbollah militants.
The operation, widely attributed to Israel, resulted in the explosion of numerous pagers on the same day as the initial call between Austin and Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. A second wave of attacks targeting walkie-talkie radios occurred on 2024-09-18, causing significant casualties and injuries.
US officials, speaking anonymously, revealed that four calls took place between Austin and Gallant over the course of the week. These discussions reflect the intricate nature of US-Israel relations, which have been a cornerstone of US foreign policy for decades. The frequency of these high-level communications underscores the gravity of the situation and the potential for escalation in the region.
The US Department of Defense, headquartered in the Pentagon - one of the world's largest office buildings - emphasized that it played no role in the attacks and was surprised by their specifics. Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh confirmed the multiple calls but refrained from providing exact timelines.
During these conversations, Austin reiterated America's unwavering support for Israel in the face of threats from Iran, Hezbollah, and other Iranian proxies in the region. This stance aligns with the long-standing US policy of supporting Israel, a relationship that has been crucial since Israel's founding.
"The US is committed to deterring regional adversaries, deescalating tensions across the region, and reaffirming the priority of reaching a cease-fire deal that would bring home hostages held by Hamas."
The attacks on electronic devices appear to be part of a broader Israeli strategy to target Hezbollah, a Lebanese Shiite Islamist political party and militant group founded in 1982. Hezbollah, considered a terrorist organization by several countries including the US and Israel, has been a significant player in the complex geopolitical landscape of the Middle East.
The Israel-Lebanon border has been a flashpoint for decades, with major conflicts occurring in 1978, 1982, and 2006. This latest operation seems to be a continuation of the long-standing tensions in the region.
As the situation unfolds, the US State Department has urged American citizens in Lebanon to maintain a low profile and review their security awareness. While there are contingency plans for potential evacuations, officials stress that there is no immediate need for such action. The US Navy, with Marines on board ships in the Mediterranean Sea, stands ready to assist if required.
This recent escalation serves as a reminder of the volatile nature of the region and the ongoing challenges in achieving lasting peace and stability in the Middle East.