US Defense Minister Lloyd Austin, in a conversation with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant, confirmed the determination of the United States to take all necessary steps to protect Israel.
Austin has ordered the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group, which includes 35 F-35C fighter jets, to arrive in the Middle East as soon as possible. The minister has also ordered the submarine “USS Georgia” to go there.
The US announced last week that it would deploy the strike group as well as a fighter squadron to the region.
Austin and Gallant also discussed Israel’s operations in the Gaza Strip and progress toward a ceasefire and the release of Israeli hostages held in the Gaza Strip, as well as efforts to deter Iranian-linked groups from aggression in the region.
Tensions in the Middle East have increased after the killing of Ismail Haniyeh, the political leader of the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas, in Tehran, and Fuad Shukra, the leader of the Lebanese Shiite militant group Hezbollah, in Beirut. Iran and “Hezbollah” have promised to take revenge on Israel, which is blamed for these murders.
2024-08-13 05:43:39