Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said the U.S. stands squarely by Israel and will ensure it “has what it needs to defend itself” after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared war against Palestinian militants that launched a surprise attack on his country.

Austin said in a statement he was “closely monitoring developments in Israel” and extended his condolences to families of the victims who lost their lives in the Saturday attack.

“Our commitment to Israel’s right to defend itself remains unwavering,” Austin said. “Over the coming days the Department of Defense will work to ensure that Israel has what it needs to defend itself and protect civilians from indiscriminate violence and terrorism.”

The U.S. is one of Israel’s staunchest allies and has provided around $3.8 billion a year to the country.

Netanyahu declared war on Saturday against Palestinian militant groups after Hamas launched a surprise, multi-frontal attack inside Israel.

Militants launched more than 2,000 missiles and stormed Israel from multiple directions after infiltrating the border.

The most recent death toll has at least 200 Israeli deaths in the country, according to The Times of Israel and local media reports.

The U.S. has condemned the recent violence and White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan has discussed the situation with his counterpart.

The latest clashes come after decades of violence between Palestine and Israel, which has only picked up in recent months following more controversial policies under Netanyahu’s far-right government against Palestinian communities.

    • DragonTypeWyvern
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      1 year ago

      They want us to stand by, twiddling our thumbs, when Netanyahu declares martial law and seizes dictatorial powers.

      • maporita@unilem.org
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        1 year ago

        He’s invited the leaders of the opposition to form an emergency government of national unity. Basically the exact opposite of what you just said.

  • TransplantedSconie@lemm.ee
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    1 year ago

    I thought Kush-Kush already figured out Middle East peace?

    gasps

    Did Trump put the wrong person on the case?

  • Rapidcreek@reddthat.com
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    1 year ago

    I’m glad Austin has spoken but I’m still waiting on the expert on the Israeli - Palestinian conflict to give advice. Has anyone heard from Jared?

  • rDrDr@lemmy.world
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    1 year ago

    the Department of Defense will work to ensure that Israel has what it needs to defend itself and protect civilians from indiscriminate violence and terrorism

    If the goal is to protect civilians we should cut off all weapons shipments to Israel, not give them more.

  • AutoTL;DR@lemmings.worldB
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    1 year ago

    This is the best summary I could come up with:


    Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said the U.S. stands squarely by Israel and will ensure it “has what it needs to defend itself” after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared war against Palestinian militants that launched a surprise attack on his country.

    Austin said in a statement he was “closely monitoring developments in Israel” and extended his condolences to families of the victims who lost their lives in the Saturday attack.

    “Over the coming days the Department of Defense will work to ensure that Israel has what it needs to defend itself and protect civilians from indiscriminate violence and terrorism.”

    Netanyahu declared war on Saturday against Palestinian militant groups after Hamas launched a surprise, multi-frontal attack inside Israel.

    The U.S. has condemned the recent violence and White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan has discussed the situation with his counterpart.

    The latest clashes come after decades of violence between Palestine and Israel, which has only picked up in recent months following more controversial policies under Netanyahu’s far-right government against Palestinian communities.


    The original article contains 237 words, the summary contains 170 words. Saved 28%. I’m a bot and I’m open source!