US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin expressed his unwavering vigilance on Saturday morning as he closely monitored the unfolding attack in Israel. The assault involved Hamas militants infiltrating Israeli towns and villages, coupled with a significant aerial operation launched from the blockaded Gaza Strip.
In a resolute statement, Austin declared, “Over the coming days, the Department of Defense will diligently collaborate to ensure that Israel possesses the requisite resources to safeguard itself and shield civilians from indiscriminate violence and terrorism.”
The spokesperson for the White House National Security Council echoed Austin’s sentiments, unequivocally condemning the actions of Hamas terrorists targeting Israeli civilians.
Adrienne Watson, the spokesperson, emphasized, “There is never any justification for terrorism.” She further disclosed that National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan engaged in dialogue with Israeli National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi, underscoring the enduring closeness of the relationship between the two nations.
These statements materialized in the aftermath of retaliatory Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, which have regrettably resulted in 48 casualties and 461 injuries, according to the Palestinian Red Crescent, with the death toll anticipated to climb.
Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, resolutely asserted, “We are at war, and we will emerge victorious,” following the sudden attack on the 50th anniversary of the commencement of the 1973 Yom Kippur war.
