Official announcements from the US Department of State or Treasury

US Defense Secretary Angry Over Israel's Last-Minute Notice of Nasrallah Strike in Beirut

Sep 29, 2024, 07:47 AM

US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin was reportedly angered by Israel's last-minute notice of its intention to target Hezbollah Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah. According to reports from ABC News and the Jerusalem Post, Israel informed the US of the planned attack just minutes before it was to occur. Austin expressed dissatisfaction to Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, citing concerns over the great risks associated with such an operation. The IDF operation targeting Hezbollah's headquarters in Beirut was ongoing when Austin spoke by phone with Gallant, according to the Pentagon. Austin said he was 'angry' about the lack of advance notice regarding the strike on Nasrallah.