US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin arrived in Tel Aviv on Friday, reaffirming unwavering American support for Israel, while high-ranking US officials continued their diplomatic efforts in the region.
“Just landed in Tel Aviv. Today, I’ll meet with Prime Minister @netanyahu, Minister @YoavGallant & other senior leaders to demonstrate that America’s support for Israel’s security is ironclad & talk to them face-to-face about their defence needs. We stand with the people of Israel” he posted on X (Formerly Twitter).
In a statement from the US Department of Defense, Austin’s visit to Israel underscores the United States’ steadfast dedication to backing Israel in the wake of the recent lethal attacks by Hamas militants.
Austin is set to hold meetings with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, and members of the Israeli War Cabinet. Their discussions will focus on Israel’s operational strategies and security requirements in response to the series of attacks initiated by Hamas on October 7.
The Department of Defense press releases quoted a high-ranking Pentagon official, ‘This is sending quite a clear signal of the depth of US commitment to Israel’s security. What is quite clear is the commitment of this administration and our Cabinet to support the Israeli people as they work to restore security to their people.’
The US Department of Defence statement quoting a Pentagon official said, “The United States is unequivocal in its support for the defence of Israel and is sending a warning to any entity that would consider taking advantage of this conflict and this war to escalate violence. One word, quite simply, ‘Don’t.'”
Following the Hamas attacks, the US bolstered its military presence in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea by deploying the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford Strike Group and increasing the Air Force fighter presence in the region, which included Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II attack aircraft.
On the seventh day of the Israel-Hamas conflict, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) issued a call for the immediate evacuation of Gaza. In a statement, the IDF urged all Gaza City civilians to relocate southwards for their safety and protection, specifically to the area south of the Wadi Gaza. The IDF emphasized the need for civilians to distance themselves from Hamas militants who were exploiting them as human shields. The IDF also pledged to continue their substantial operations in Gaza City while making extensive efforts to minimize harm to civilians.
Also Read: Blinken meets head of Palestinian Authority amid Israel-Hamas war
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