Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin during his visit to Israel, thanking the United States for its unwavering support in the ongoing battle against the terrorist organization Hamas. In a bold statement, Netanyahu likened Hamas to ISIS, asserting that “Hamas is worse than ISIS.” He urged the global community to unite in assisting Israel in its efforts to combat Hamas, drawing a parallel to the worldwide fight against ISIS. “I know that you stand with us,” Netanyahu affirmed to Secretary Austin.
This visit came a day after U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s trip to the region, emphasizing the U.S. commitment to the stability and security of Israel. Secretary Austin reiterated America’s support for Israel, with a promise that “we have your back,” a sentiment also echoed by President Joe Biden.
During his visit, Secretary Austin held discussions with Prime Minister Netanyahu and spent nearly two hours in deliberations with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant and the Israeli War Cabinet.
In response to concerns about potential civilian casualties in Gaza, Secretary Austin acknowledged Israel’s right to self-defense. He praised the professionalism, discipline, and focus of Israeli forces, underscoring that there is “never any justification for terrorism.” This affirmation follows the recent hostilities initiated by Hamas.
Furthermore, Secretary Austin confirmed the readiness of the U.S. Department of Defense to provide additional military support to Israel as Israeli forces prepare for potential retaliatory action. “The U.S. Department of Defense stands fully ready to deploy additional assets if necessary,” he stated.
On the war front, the Israeli military issued an evacuation advisory to approximately one million Palestinians in Gaza City “for their own safety and protection” in anticipation of a possible Israeli ground offensive. In response, Hamas, the ruling authority in Gaza, called on Palestinians to “remain steadfast in your homes and to stand firm” against Israeli actions.
The visit of Secretary Austin and the ongoing dynamics underscore the complexity and urgency of the situation in the region, emphasizing the need for international engagement and diplomatic efforts to address the ongoing crisis.
Sources By Agencies
