Lloyd Austin Discusses US-Israel Defense Strategy After Iran’s Missile Launch

Wed Oct 02 2024
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WASHINGTON, USA: US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin reassured Israel of Washington’s commitment to defend its interests in the Middle East after Iran’s missile attack on Israel. The attack was in retaliation for Israel’s military campaign in Lebanon, which has resulted in hundreds of deaths and displaced over a million people.

Iran claimed the missile strikes were over unless provoked further, and the US deemed the attack ineffective, with no injuries reported in Israel. Both the US and Israel have pledged to respond to Tehran, raising concerns of an expanding conflict in the region.

In a call with Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, Austin emphasized that the US is ready to defend its personnel and allies against threats from Iran and its proxies. The two leaders expressed mutual appreciation for Israel’s defence against the nearly 200 missiles launched by Iran and committed to staying in close contact.

Israel’s military operations in Lebanon target Hezbollah, and the country is also engaged in a war with Hamas in Gaza, which began after the deadly October 7 attack on Israel by Hamas. Israel’s assault on Gaza has killed tens of thousands and displaced nearly the entire population.

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