The US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin is scheduled to meet with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant at the Pentagon on Wednesday to discuss the response to last week’s missile attack by Iran.
This will mark Gallant’s third visit to Washington D.C. since the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7 last year, which sparked a new round of conflict between Israel and Hamas, as well as escalating tensions with Hezbollah in Lebanon, with no signs of abating.
According to a press release from the Pentagon, on Monday, Pentagon Press Secretary Major General Pat Ryder informed reporters that the two defense ministers will “further discuss ongoing security developments in the Middle East.”
Ryder said, “Today marks the one-year anniversary of the terrorist attack by Hamas on Israel, which resulted in the deaths of 1200 civilians and the kidnapping of 250 hostages, with around 100 hostages still in captivity. It was the bloodiest day in Jewish history since the end of the Holocaust.”
The large-scale attack resulted in the deaths of over 40 American citizens and the taking of 12 hostages.
On that day, Secretary of Defense Austin posted on social media, stating, “It has been a year since the cruel terrorist attack by Hamas on Israel on October 7. We remain steadfast in our commitment to Israel’s security, combating Hamas terrorism, thwarting Iran’s aggression, and promoting stability and peace in the region.”
Austin also attached a statement to his post, expressing profound condolences for the victims of October 7 and stating, “We will not cease our efforts until every hostage is returned home.”
He further emphasized that the Hamas terrorist attack serves as a clear reminder that Iran-backed terrorist organizations pose a serious threat.
Austin reiterated, “The Department of Defense will steadfastly commit to Israel’s security, combat terrorism by Hamas and other extremist groups, curb Iran’s further aggression, and work with our allies and partners to promote stability and peace in the Middle East.”
According to the Pentagon, Gallant visited the United States in March and June this year, and he and Austin have had over 80 phone conversations in the past year.
Ryder said, “Secretary Austin looks forward to welcoming him back to Washington D.C. The in-person meeting provides an opportunity for the two leaders to continue their discussions in depth, building on their frequent phone calls.”
The conflict between Israel and Hamas has also triggered clashes with Hezbollah in Lebanon, supported by Iran. Since the end of last month, Israel has intensified airstrikes in southern Lebanon, killing Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and other senior members.
Last Tuesday, Iran fired 180 ballistic missiles at Israel, some of which penetrated Israel’s air defense system. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed retaliation.
Later that day, Austin called Gallant, once again reaffirming the US’s unwavering commitment to Israel’s security.
Austin emphasized over the phone that the US supports Israel’s right to self-defense and its efforts to fend off attacks from Iran and Iran-backed terrorist groups such as Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas, and the Houthi militants.
The Biden administration is in communication with Israeli authorities to discuss what retaliatory measures Israel should take. Last Wednesday, Biden stated that the US does not support Israel using strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities as a retaliatory measure.
On Saturday, Biden made a rare appearance at the White House press conference during his term, reiterating US support for Israel’s right to self-defense but expressing non-support for Israel’s attacks on Iranian oil fields.