U.S. Defense Secretary Austin Discusses Israeli Security Amid Regional Tensions

U.S. Defense Secretary Engages in Ongoing Dialogue with Israeli Counterpart Amid Regional Tensions

On Sunday, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III held a crucial conversation with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, marking the third interaction between the two officials within a week. This dialogue comes at a time of heightened concern regarding the potential escalation of the conflict involving Israel and Iran.

During the call, Secretary Austin reaffirmed the United States’ unwavering commitment to take all necessary measures to safeguard Israel’s security. This information was conveyed in a summary released by Pentagon Press Secretary, Major General Patrick Ryder. In an atypical move, General Ryder disclosed that Secretary Austin had ordered the ballistic-missile submarine Georgia to the Middle East, emphasizing the gravity of the current regional crisis, as the Pentagon seldom publicizes the movements of its submarine fleet.

General Ryder further indicated that Secretary Austin had previously deployed additional combat aircraft and missile-capable warships to the area. These military maneuvers were initiated in response to explicit threats from Iran and its allied factions in Gaza, Lebanon, and Yemen, who have pledged to retaliate against Israel for the assassination of a prominent Hamas leader, Ismail Haniyeh, in Tehran on July 31.

Compounding these developments, Secretary Austin has expedited the deployment of the aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln, which is outfitted with advanced F-35 fighter jets, to the region. This vessel will join the already positioned aircraft carrier Theodore Roosevelt and its accompanying naval fleet in the Gulf of Oman.

A statement issued by the Israeli government revealed that Minister Gallant emphasized Israel’s military readiness and capabilities in confronting the threats posed by Iran and its regional affiliates during his discussion with Secretary Austin. Additionally, he highlighted the pressing need to reach an agreement regarding the release of hostages, expressing gratitude to the U.S. administration for its leadership and commitment to this critical issue.

As part of ongoing efforts, the United States and Arab mediators are preparing to unveil what they are calling a “final” proposal for a cease-fire in Gaza during a meeting scheduled for Thursday in the Middle East, which Israeli negotiators have confirmed they will attend. However, Hamas has yet to announce whether its representatives will participate in the discussions.

The timing of the call between Secretary Austin and Minister Gallant coincided with an Israeli airstrike that struck a school compound in northern Gaza, where many displaced Palestinians had taken refuge. Gazan authorities reported that this attack resulted in numerous casualties. During the call, Secretary Austin reiterated the critical importance of mitigating civilian harm during Israeli military operations in the region, as underscored by General Ryder.