Lloyd James Austin III

Tarmac Statement on Israel Air Strikes Against Hezbollah in Lebanon

delivered 27 September 2024, Joint Base Andrews, Prince George's County, Maryland

Audio mp3 of Remarks       Audio AR-XE mp3 of Remarks

[AUTHENTICITY CERTIFIED: Text version below transcribed directly from audio

I know that you're seeing reports of a significant strike today in Beirut today.

I spoke by phone earlier with my counterpart in Israel, Minister Gallant.

The United States was not involved in Israel's operation. We had no advance warning. My call with Minister Gallant took place while the operation was actually already underway.

As you know, this operation took place just a couple of hours ago and they're still making assessments, so I don't have any further information or specifics to provide you at this time. What I will say is that you've heard me say a number of times that an all-out war should be avoided.

Diplomacy continues to be the best way forward, and it's the fastest way to let displaced Israeli and Lebanese citizens return to their homes on both sides of the border.

I'll be talking with Minister Gallant again soon, and I look to get an update from him when that -- when we have that conversation.

Thank you very much.

Original Text Source: Defense.gov

Original Video Source: DVIDShub.net

Audio AR-XE Note: Glitches -- signal drops of very brief duration -- present at source largely removed during remastering process by AmericanRhetoric.com. AR-XE = American Rhetoric Extreme Enhancement

Video Note:  Audio enhanced and color adjusted. Audio glitches -- signal drops of very brief duration -- across the entire duration of remarks present at source. The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.

Page Outdated: 10/4/24

U.S. Copyright Status:  This text, audio, video = Property of AmericanRhetoric.com.