US Defense Secretary and Israeli counterpart discuss aftermath of Iran attack
US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and his Israeli counterpart engaged in discussions on Monday, emphasizing the shared strategic objective of regional stability, as per a statement summarizing their call.
Amidst the fallout from Iran's recent unprecedented assault on Israel, Austin and Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant deliberated on the situation, the statement noted. Additionally, Austin reaffirmed the unwavering support of the United States for Israel's defense efforts.
In context, Israel's leadership is deliberating on potential responses to Iran's assault, which involved the firing of over 300 projectiles at Israeli territory, the majority of which were intercepted.
Earlier, Austin had urged Gallant to provide advance notice to the US regarding any prospective actions in response to the Iranian attack, as reported by a US official. The conversation between the two officials occurred shortly after Iran's launch of a barrage of drones and missiles targeting Israel.
The information provided outlines the current situation in the region:
Israel had plans for a ground offensive in Gaza's Rafah city but postponed them to consider a response to recent aerial attacks attributed to Iran.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized the importance of invading Rafah to dismantle Hamas’s remaining forces despite international pressure against a full-scale ground offensive.
The Israeli war cabinet reviewed military plans and diplomatic options in response to Iran's attacks, though a decision remains unclear.
The White House, through spokesperson John Kirby, urged de-escalation to prevent the situation from worsening into a broader regional conflict.
China noted Iran’s statement justifying the attacks as self-defense during a phone call between the foreign ministers of both nations.
Fifteen additional bodies were found near Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza following the Israeli military's withdrawal two weeks ago.
Hamas reduced the number of hostages it's willing to release in the first phase of ceasefire talks, representing a setback in negotiations.
The details provided offer insight into the current state of affairs in the region:
Israel had initially planned a ground offensive in Gaza's Rafah city but delayed the operation to weigh a response to recent aerial assaults attributed to Iran.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stressed the significance of invading Rafah to neutralize Hamas’s remaining capabilities, despite international pressure opposing a full-scale ground operation.
The Israeli war cabinet extensively examined military strategies and diplomatic avenues in response to Iran's attacks, yet a definitive course of action remains pending.
The White House, represented by spokesperson John Kirby, underscored the imperative of de-escalation to avert the situation from escalating into a broader regional crisis.
China acknowledged Iran’s assertion justifying the attacks as an act of self-defense during discussions between the foreign ministers of both nations.
Following the Israeli military's withdrawal from the area two weeks ago, an additional fifteen bodies were discovered near Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza.
Hamas scaled back the number of hostages it is willing to release in the initial phase of ceasefire negotiations, indicating a setback in the ongoing talks.
