Statement From Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III on the Ceasefire Agreed to by Israel and LebanonPentagon Press Secretary Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder Holds a Press[...]

The ceasefire announced by President Biden is good for Israel, good for Lebanon, and good for the security of the region. Today is a historic moment. This diplomatic resolution will enable tens of thousands of civilians in both Lebanon and Israel to return safely to their homes on both sides of the border, and to put an end to the violence and destruction of this conflict.

Our support for Israel's security remains ironclad, and so does our support for Israel's right to defend itself from Iranian-backed terrorist organizations like Lebanese Hizballah and Hamas. The Department will consult closely with our international and interagency partners to support the implementation of the ceasefire.

As we welcome the news of this ceasefire, we also hope that de-escalating tensions across the Israel-Lebanon border also brings renewed hope for ending the tragic conflict in Gaza. We must continue to focus on improving the desperate humanitarian conditions in Gaza, and we remain committed to securing the release of all of the hostages in Gaza, including U.S. citizens.