Chicago – December 21, 2023
US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin says the US will continue to back Israel in its conflict with Hamas, but he urges his ally to do more to safeguard civilians in Gaza as cries for a truce mount.
Austin, speaking alongside Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant in Tel Aviv on Monday, called US backing for Israel “unshakeable” as the death toll from Israel’s assault on Gaza exceeded 19,000, according to Palestinian health officials.
Austin said he had talked with Gallant about minimizing harm to people caught in the crossfire. They also discussed a shift from a high-intensity battle to a lower-intensity conflict.
While the US provides Israel with weapons and diplomatic backing, its attitude toward Netanyahu’s government has recently shifted. President Joe Biden said last week that Israel risks losing international support because of its “indiscriminate” bombing.
Austin, on the other hand, offered assurance on Monday, stating, “American support for Israel’s security is unshakeable. Israel is not alone.”
