Official announcements from the U.S. government or the U.S. Department of State

White House Unaware of Israeli Airstrikes on Beirut; Children Died

Sep 20, 2024, 02:15 PM

White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby stated that the U.S. was not informed in advance about Israel's airstrikes on Beirut. The strikes targeted a senior Hezbollah official. A senior Israeli official confirmed that Israel did not notify the U.S. prior to the attack but briefed senior American officials immediately afterward. The White House reiterated its belief in a diplomatic solution in the Middle East. Kirby also noted there were no leaks, and reports indicated that children died in the attack.