• Wion
  • /World
  • /Pentagon chief meets Israeli defence minister, discusses 'iron-clad' commitment

Pentagon chief meets Israeli defence minister, discusses 'iron-clad' commitment

Pentagon chief meets Israeli defence minister, discusses 'iron-clad' commitment

US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin and Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant meet.

Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant met US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin on Thursday (April 11) and said that Israel will directly respond to any attack launched by Iran.

“A direct Iranian attack will require an appropriate Israeli response against Iran," said Gallant, while speaking to Austin, as per the remarks issued by his office.

According to the Pentagon, the two leaders discussed the "iron-clad" commitment extended by the United States to Israel amid increasing threats from Iran and its proxies.

Add WION as a Preferred Source

Austin emphasised “ironclad US support for Israel’s defence in the face of growing threats from Iran and its regional proxies," read the Pentagon statement.

Also Read:Iran likely to launch retaliatory attack on Israel in next two days: report

"Echoing President Biden's unequivocal message to Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, Secretary Austin assured Minister Gallant that Israel could count on full USsupport to defend Israel against Iranian attacks, which Tehran has publicly threatened," stated the Pentagon.

“Secretary Austin assured Minister Gallant that Israel could count on full US support to defend Israel against Iranian attacks, which Tehran has publicly threatened,” the readout added.

It stated that the US general for the Middle East, Army General Michael "Erik" Kurilla's visit to Israel was also scheduled earlier so that he could meet with Israeli military leadership and discuss "current security threats." In recent months, Kurilla has been frequently travelling to Israel.

US asks embassy employees to limit their travel in Israel

The United States said that they have asked their employees in Israel to avoid travelling outside the greater Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Beersheba areas with their family members.

“Out of an abundance of caution, US government employees and their family members are restricted from personal travel outside the greater Tel Aviv (including Herzliya, Netanya and Even Yehuda), Jerusalem, and Beersheba areas until further notice,” said the US embassy, in a security alert posted on its website.

Watch:Russia-Ukraine War: Ukraine parliament passes bill overhauling army mobilisation rules

“US government personnel are authorised to transit between these three areas for personal travel," it added.

The United States, as part of its government policy, informs all American citizens via such warnings about updated security measures for its employees in any country.

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq and non-state actors like Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

(With inputs from agencies)

About the Author