US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin recently urged Israel to take advantage of opportunities for a ceasefire and hostage deal during a call with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. The call, which took place on Wednesday, comes as the White House is actively working towards ending hostilities in Gaza following the recent killing of a top Hamas leader.
During the call, Secretary Austin emphasized the importance of addressing the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza and encouraged Israel to seize opportunities for the release of hostages and a ceasefire in light of the death of Yahya Sinwar. He also commended the movement of humanitarian assistance through the Erez crossing.
Furthermore, Austin highlighted the deployment of a Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery as a demonstration of the unwavering US commitment to Israel's defense. This advanced anti-missile system, considered one of the most powerful in the US military's arsenal, is now operational in Israel.
In addition to discussing Gaza and defense measures, Secretary Austin expressed deep concern over reports of Israeli strikes against the Lebanese armed forces. He stressed the importance of taking measures to ensure the safety of both the Lebanese army and UN peacekeepers in the region.
