Amid Gaza Carnage, U.S. Reaffirms Israel's Right to ‘Self-Defense’

In light of ongoing violence in Gaza, the United States has reaffirmed Israel's right to self-defense, citing concerns over threats from Iran and its affiliated groups.

In discussions with Israel's Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin addressed Israel's recent military actions targeting Iranian military installations. The Pentagon confirmed Austin’s stance in a statement, noting that the U.S. “will strengthen its force posture in the region” to protect U.S. personnel, Israel, and regional allies against potential threats from Iran and Iranian-backed entities.

During the talks, Austin emphasized the "United States' commitment to Israel's security and its right to self-defense," underscoring Washington’s position on the conflict and its regional security implications. He also warned that the United States would act to prevent any attempt to "exploit tensions or widen the conflict," sending a direct signal to any parties that might consider intervention.

Austin stated that he had spoken with Gallant to review Israel’s operations and the humanitarian situation in Gaza. He expressed his condolences for the IDF brigade commander killed in the northern Gaza Strip and highlighted the recent deployment of a Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery as an example of the strong U.S. commitment to Israel’s defense.

Austin noted that he welcomed the movement of humanitarian assistance through the Erez crossing and urged the Israeli government to take all necessary steps to address the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. He also voiced concern about reports of strikes against the Lebanese Armed Forces and stressed the importance of ensuring the safety and security of both the Lebanese Armed Forces and UNIFIL forces. As per UNICEF, nearly 60% of schools in Lebanon are being used as shelters.

This development follows the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announcement regarding its recent operations, in which it carried out what it described as "precision strikes" on Iranian military sites. According to IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari, the operation targeted these military locations without damaging Iran's nuclear or oil infrastructure. Hagari later confirmed that the mission had concluded, suggesting that Israel's immediate objectives in these strikes were met.

The Gaza Health Ministry reported this week that at least 42,800 people have been killed in the year-long conflict between Israel and Palestinian militants. The ministry's statement added that approximately 100,500 others have been injured in the ongoing assaults.