Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III briefs the press from the Pentagon Briefing Room, Washington, D.C., Feb. 19, 2021. (DoD Photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jack Sanders).
By Gary Raynaldo DIPLOMATIC TIMES
WASHINGTON – PENTAGON – Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke with Israeli counterpart Defense Minister Benny Gantz Thursday at the Pentagon and reiterated the United States’ “ironclad support” for Israel’s right to defend itself. Gantz first met with US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan at the White House. The Israeli defense minister also met with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken during his visit to the U.S. Gantz is the first Israeli politician to visit the White House, the Pentagon and the US State Department since the beginning of Biden’s term as President. Austin met with Gantz to enhance defense cooperation to address a range of regional security challenges, including Iran. Austin emphasized the Administration’s support for building on the May 21 ceasefire to establish an enduring security for Israelis and Palestinians. He also highlighted President Biden’s support for replenishing Israel’s Iron Dome Missile Defense System. The Iron Dome missile shield was specially designed to protect against a range of incoming short-range threats.
“I wanted to reiterate that the administration’s commitment to Israel’s security is ironclad. We are committed to maintaining Israel’s qualitative military edge and ensuring that Israel can defend itself against regional threats, such as those posed by Iran, its proxies, and terrorist groups. The administration fully supports your country’s right to defend itself against rockets, rocket attacks fired indiscriminately by Hamas, and other Gaza-based militants against Israeli civilians. And I want to personally thank you again, Minister Gantz, for your role in implementing the cease-fire with Hamas. As you know, the president has expressed his full support for replenishing Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system which saved so many innocent lives during the most recent conflict.”
-U.S. Defense Secretary Austin
Pentagon Supports President Biden’s Goal of Two-State Solution
Secretary Austin also stressed that going forward, “we seek lasting security for Israelis and Palestinians alike. And I want to stress the importance of reducing tensions in the West Bank and Jerusalem and of supporting humanitarian and reconstruction assistance for Gaza that benefits the innocent people who live there. Let me also stress that the Department of Defense supports President Biden’s goal of a two-state solution. “
Israeli Defense Minister Says Iron Dome Missile Defense System Intercepted more than 1,400 Hamas Rockets
“Two weeks ago, Israel came out of a recent round in Gaza it did not wish for, after Hamas, a terrorist organization, opened fire on our civilians. While Hamas aimed thousands of rockets at our civilian populations of Jews, Arabs, and Christians, the IDF used its excellent intelligence, precise munitions, and strict procedure to strike directly at Hamas military targets. Our Iron Dome defense system saved hundreds of Israeli lives, intercepting over 1,400 rockets that were aimed at residential neighborhoods, shopping centers, and hospitals. I would like to thank you, Secretary Austin, and the entire Biden administration for supporting Israel’s right and duty to defend itself, and for maintaining Israel’s QME, which assures stability in our region.”
-Israeli Defense Minister Gantz
Gantz said that following the military effort, it is now time for diplomatic acts “which hopefully prevent or delay” another military conflict.
IRAN is an Existential Threat to Israel: Gantz:
“These very days, Iran continues to develop nuclear weapons and contributes to all militias throughout the Middle East. Let me be clear, Iran is, first and foremost, a global and regional problem. And it is also an existential threat to Israel as its own leaders openly declare. I am well aware of the important dialogue about future agreement which will stop its nuclear armament. Stopping Iran is certainly a shared strategic need of the United States, Europe, the countries in the Middle East, and Israel, and for the people of Iran as well. They too deserve a government that will devote itself to solving real problems rather than with developing weapons of mass destruction to threaten other people.”
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken meets with Israeli Alternate Prime Minister and Defense Minister Benjamin “Benny” Gantz at the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C. on June 3, 2021. (State Department photo by Freddie Everet)
President Biden Administration approved potential sale of $735 million in weapons to Israel earlier this year
Some Democrats in Congress are advocating a reevaluation of U.S. military aid to Israel over human rights abuse allegations amid Israel’s actions in the May fighting. The violence resulted in the deaths of 243 Palestinians, including 66 children, with a dozen Israelis killed.
“It would be appalling for the Biden administration to go through with $735 million in precision-guided weaponry to Netanyahu without any strings attached in the wake of escalating violence and attacks on civilians,” Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) said in a statement.
