Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin recently spoke with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. Pentagon spokesman Pat Ryder confirmed that Austin reaffirmed the US commitment to protecting Israel and highlighted the strengthening of US military forces in the Middle East in response to heightened regional tensions.
Austin also ordered the deployment of the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group, equipped with F-35C fighter jets, to the Central Command area. Additionally, he directed the deployment of the USS Georgia guided-missile submarine to the same region.
During their conversation, Austin and Gallant also discussed Israel’s operations in the Gaza Strip, emphasizing the importance of minimizing civilian casualties, achieving a ceasefire, and releasing hostages.
Earlier this month, Austin announced the relocation of a fighter squadron and additional warships to the European Command and Central Command regions.
Tensions in the region escalated following the assassination of senior Hezbollah leader Fuad Shukr in Beirut and the death of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran.