Iran and Israel traded threats Saturday of what Iran said would be an "obliterating" war over Hezbollah.
Attacks intensified this month after Israel killed a top Hezbollah commander and Hezbollah responded with some of its biggest missile barrages.
"Such a war would be a catastrophe for Lebanon," Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said as he met recently with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant at the Pentagon.
"Another war between Israel and Hezbollah could easily become a regional war, with terrible consequences for the Middle East."
Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz responded by pledging his country would move against Hezbollah with "full force" unless it stopped attacks.
Persons:
—, Gerald Feierstein, Israel, Martin Griffiths, Lloyd Austin, Yoav Gallant, Gallant, Susan Walsh, Feierstein, Iran's U.N, Israel Katz, CQ Brown
Organizations:
Marine, Hezbollah, Israeli, Pentagon, Israel, Joint Chiefs, Staff
Locations:
Khiam, Lebanon, Israel, Lebanon's Iran, Iran, Gaza, United States, Lebanese, U.S, Washington, Israeli