CNN —US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin warned Friday of “devastating” consequences if Israel engages in an all-out war with Hezbollah, telling CNN in an exclusive interview that casualties would “equal or exceed” the number in Gaza.
“An all-out war between Lebanese, Hezbollah and Israel would be devastating for both Lebanon and Israel.
And again, we anticipate that we’d see a number of people displaced, casualties that, you know, equal or exceed what we’ve seen in Gaza,” Austin told CNN’s Wolf Blitzer.
Asked by Blitzer if continued US aid to Israel undermines Washington’s efforts to secure a ceasefire in Lebanon, Austin on Friday reiterated the long-standing alliance.
“We’ve been clear from the very beginning that that we’re going to support Israel in its efforts to defend itself,” Austin said.
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Locations:
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