All-out war with Hezbollah won't ensure return of Israeli settlers: WH
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White House National Security Spokesperson John Kirby says the US is "continuing to talk to the Israelis about what the right next steps are."
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National Security Council spokesman John Kirby, speaks during the daily briefing at the White House in Washington, Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)
All-out war with Hezbollah or Iran is not the way for "Israel" to return settlers to northern settlements, indicated White House National Security Spokesperson John Kirby, on Sunday, amid an ongoing Israeli aggression on Lebanon and Gaza.
"An all-out war with Hezbollah, certainly with Iran, is not the way to do that. If you want to get those folks back home safely and sustainably, we believe that a diplomatic path is the right course," Kirby told CNN.
He added that the US is closely monitoring Hezbollah's moves as it fills its leadership vacuum "and is continuing to talk to the Israelis about what the right next steps are," a day after the Lebanese group announced the martyrdom of its Secretary-General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah in an Israeli airstrike on the Southern Suburb of the Lebanese capital, Beirut.
The Health Ministry in Lebanon has also reported that over 1,000 people have been killed, and a million displaced in the ongoing aggression.
In light of these figures, Kirby criticized "Israel's" military tactics, particularly regarding the protection of civilians.
"We have made no bones about the fact that we don't necessarily see the tactical execution the same way that they do in terms of protection (of civilians)," he said while reiterating that US support for "Israel's" security was iron clad.
Read more: Pentagon Chief warns of 'all-out war' as 'Israel' escalates in Lebanon
The US claims to be making efforts to reach a ceasefire in both Gaza and Lebanon, but figures suggest that these allegations are merely a smokescreen.
But most recently, the Israeli Security Ministry announced that it had secured an $8.7 billion aid package from the US, including upgrading air defense systems.
"The package includes $3.5 billion for essential wartime procurement ... and $5.2 billion designated for air defence systems, including the Iron Dome, David's Sling and an advanced laser system," the Ministry confirmed in a statement.
According to the statement, the deal was concluded after a series of high-level meetings between Israeli and US officials in Washington.
Some $3.5 billion had already been received "for critical acquisitions," it highlighted, adding that the additional $5.2 billion is intended to upgrade air defense systems.
"This substantial investment will significantly strengthen critical systems such as Iron Dome and David's Sling while supporting the continued development of an advanced high-powered laser defense system currently in its later stages of development," the Israeli Ministry pointed out.
