US says it's taking additional measures to support Israel
US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin reported that he discussed with his Israeli counterpart, Yoav Gallant, who faces an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court for possible war crimes committed in Gaza, "the threats posed by Iran, Lebanese Hezbollah, and other Iranian-backed terrorist groups."
He added, "I also emphasised that further escalation is not inevitable and that all parties would benefit from de-escalation, including through finalising a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release agreement.”
Yesterday I spoke with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant about the threats posed by Iran, Lebanese Hizballah, and other Iranian-backed terrorist groups. I informed the Minister that we are taking additional measures to support the defense of Israel, to include multiple…
— Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III (@SecDef) August 3, 2024