US defence chief calls for less Israeli strikes in Lebanon

US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin has said that the US expects Israel to reduce the intensity of its strikes in Lebanon and to engage in negotiations for the return of civilians to border areas.

Austin made these remarks during a press conference following the first meeting of G7 defence ministers in Naples, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

He noted that the Shiite Hezbollah movement is working to establish command centres and store weapons in populated areas.

"This creates challenging conditions for military operations. Whenever the enemy uses such tactics, it increases the likelihood of collateral damage," the Pentagon chief noted. 

"I reiterate this regarding Gaza—the number of civilian casualties is too high. We would like to see Israel reduce the intensity of some strikes, particularly in Beirut and its surrounding areas. We hope to see transition to some form of negotiations that would allow civilians on both sides of the border to return home. I will continue advocating for this in my discussions with [Israeli Defence Minister Yoav] Gallant," Austin stated. 

On September 23, Israel launched Operation "Northern Arrows" against Hezbollah formations, conducting extensive airstrikes on military targets of the Shiite organisation in Lebanese territory. As a result of one of the airstrikes on September 27, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah was killed in Beirut. 

The organisation confirmed his death and vowed to continue resisting Israel. On the night of October 1, the Israeli army announced the commencement of a ground operation in the border areas of southern Lebanon.

By Naila Huseynova