Another full-scale war could be 'devastating' for both Israel, Lebanon, warns US defense chief

By Burak Bir

LONDON (AA) - The US defense chief on Thursday said the situation in Lebanon and northern Israel is "deeply troubling," warning that another full-scale war could be "devastating" for both countries.

Speaking at a joint press conference with his British and Australian counterparts in London, Lloyd Austin said that almost a year later, tens of thousands of Israeli and Lebanese civilians still cannot safely return home.

"We now face the risk of an all-out war, another full scale war would could be devastating for both Israel and Lebanon," he warned.

Austin said a diplomatic solution is "the only way" to ensure that displaced civilians on both sides of the border can finally go back home.

His remarks came following an AUKUS defense ministerial meeting in London, first session of the grouping held outside of the US.

Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles also expressed concern over the situation in the Middle East and urged nationals to leave the country "while they can."

British Defense Secretary John Healey also touched on the escalation in the region, urging Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hezbollah leaders to "pay heed to the combined voices" on 21-day cease-fire "where talks can start and the fighting can end."