In Israel, US defense chief Austin warns of heightened Iran-Russia cooperation
US defense chief Lloyd Austin said Biden administration officials are "especially disturbed" by Israeli settler violence against Palestinians, but vowed nothing would get in the way of Washington's support for Israel's security as it faces threats from Iran.
In meetings with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other top Israeli officials in Tel Aviv on Thursday, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin vowed to increase US support for Israel’s security and warned of increased Russian-Iranian cooperation in the battlefield in Ukraine while urging Israel to de-escalate tensions with the Palestinians.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, national security adviser Tzachi Hanegbi and Netanyahu’s military secretary Avi Gil also took part in the meeting with Austin. The location was switched to Ben Gurion Airport from the Defense Ministry on short notice due to scheduled protests.
