Part 7/14:
US-Israeli coordination remains a critical element in attempting to prevent regional escalation. US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has discussed the situation with Israeli Defense Minister Gallant, who warned that diplomatic efforts are narrowing. US Special Envoy Amos Hockin has been actively involved in diplomatic initiatives, but Israeli leaders remain skeptical that Hezbollah’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah, would willingly disarm or retreat north of the Litani River. As such, military action remains viewed as the most probable outcome.