Important Statement from the US Department of Defense
The US Department of Defense (Pentagon) held an important phone call in light of the recent escalation of tensions. Secretary Lloyd Austin met with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant to assess security cooperation between the two countries and the situation in the region.
During the meeting, Austin pledged that the US would “take every step” to ensure Israel’s security, including by deploying nuclear-powered and F-35C fighter jets USS Abraham Lincolnordered to accelerate the transfer of the aircraft carrier to its area of responsibility in the Middle East. In addition, USS GeorgiaHe stated that the submarine was also directed to the area belonging to the US Central Command.
During the meeting, Gallant and Austin discussed in detail Israel’s military operations in Gaza, the ceasefire negotiations and Hezbollah’s activities. In recent days, Israel has met with senior Hezbollah commanders in Beirut, the capital of Lebanon. Fuad SukurAfter the airstrike on Hamas, the head of the Hamas Political Bureau Ismail HaniyehFollowing the assassination of in Tehran, tensions in the region have risen even further.
Iran and Lebanese Hezbollah, which hold Israel responsible for Haniyeh’s assassination, have increased tensions in the region by threatening retaliation against Tel Aviv. These developments have further deepened instability in the Middle East and once again highlighted the importance of the US military presence in the region.
