Israel Bombardir Hezbollah Headquarters In Beirut, US Claims To Know Nothing

US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin/PHOTO via WIkimedia Commons

JAKARTA - United States Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said he did not receive an initial warning regarding an Israeli attack on Beirut targeting Hezbollah's headquarters.

Austin declined to give any assessment of the attack, amid speculation of the fate of Lebanese militant group leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah.

Austin said he would speak with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant to get the latest information.

"We didn't get a warning before. My call with the Minister of Gallant came when the actual operation was already underway," Austin told reporters.

"As you know, this operation occurred a few hours ago, and they are still conducting an assessment. I don't have any further or specific information to give you at this time," he added.

The attack could have had a broad impact on the Middle East when Israel turned its attention to a war that had lasted nearly a year with Hamas allied with Iran in Gaza into an operation against Hezbollah.

The Iranian Embassy in Lebanon said the attack was an increase in dangerous escalation that would result in appropriate punishment for the perpetrators.

Jordan's Foreign Minister said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was pushing the region into a massive war.

Austin previously publicly warned that a massive war between Hezbollah and Israel would have a negative impact on both sides and on Friday renewed calls for diplomacy.

"All-out war should be avoided," Austin said.

Diplomacy continues to be the best way to go forward, and this is the fastest way to let displaced Israelis and Lebanese return to their homes on both sides of the border," he added.