The United States is urgently working towards a diplomatic agreement that would allow Israeli and Lebanese civilians to return back to their homes on both sides of the border, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said on Tuesday, adding that a war between Hezbollah and Israel would be devastating.
"Diplomacy is by far the best way to prevent more escalation. So we're urgently seeking a diplomatic agreement that restores lasting calm to Israel's northern border and enables civilians to return safely to their homes on both sides of Israel-Lebanon border," he added.