Through its Secretary of Defence, Lloyd J. Austin, the United States (US) has “encouraged the Government of Israel to continue taking steps to address the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza.”
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| US Secretary of Defense, Lloyd J. Austin. Photo: @SecDef |
Also, the US “reinforced the importance of taking all necessary measures to ensure the safety and security of UNIFIL forces and the Lebanese Armed Forces” as he “reaffirmed the United States’ ironclad commitment to Israel’s security”.
Austin alongside Israel’s Minister of Defence, Yoav Gallant, discussed about the deployment of THAAD battery for the defense of Israel as it fights its multi-front war against Hamas and Hezbollah.
According to Austin: “I spoke with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant on Oct. 16 to review Israel’s operations in Lebanon and broader regional security matters. Minister Gallant and I discussed the deployment of a Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery as an operational example of the United States’ ironclad support to the defense of Israel. I encouraged the Government of Israel to continue taking steps to address the dire humanitarian situation, noting the recent action by Israel to increase the amount of humanitarian assistance entering Gaza.
I reinforced the importance of taking all necessary measures to ensure the safety and security of UNIFIL forces and the Lebanese Armed Forces. I raised the need to pursue a diplomatic pathway to provide security for civilians on both sides of the border as soon as feasible. I reaffirmed the United States’ unwavering, enduring, and ironclad commitment to Israel’s security, and made clear that the United States is well postured to defend U.S. personnel, partners, and allies.”
I spoke with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant on Oct. 16 to review Israel’s operations in Lebanon and broader regional security matters. Minister Gallant and I discussed the deployment of a Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery as an operational example of…
— Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III (@SecDef) October 17, 2024
