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 US secretary of defense pushes for ceasefire

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin forcefully advocated for a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called reports of an imminent ceasefire in Lebanon “incorrect.”

“Let me be clear: Israel and Lebanon can choose a different path,” Austin said at a news conference in London. “Despite the sharp escalation in recent days, a diplomatic solution is still viable.”

Austin’s comments come after the US and allies called for a 21-day ceasefire, and Netanyahu said that Israel will continue fighting “with full force.”

“A diplomatic solution, not a military solution, is the only way to ensure that displaced civilians on both sides of the border can finally go back home,” Austin said.

Austin also warned that “no one should try to exploit this crisis or expand this conflict” against US forces in the region.

“Make no mistake, the United States remains postured to protect our forces and our personnel across the Middle East,” said Austin.

He also said a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah would allow for time to continue working toward a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.

British Defense Secretary John Healey and Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles echoed their support for the proposed 21-day ceasefire, with Healey saying that Israel has said it is “prepared to accept” the proposal.