Recent reports revealed that US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Secretary Antony Blinken expressed concern about humanitarian conditions in Gaza via a private letter to Israeli counterparts. Although the Pentagon confirmed this, details of the letter remain undisclosed.
Deputy Press Secretary Sabrina Singh clarified that the letter was meant for private communication and not intended for public disclosure. Despite the leakage, Singh emphasized the administration’s focus on facilitating aid into Gaza and maintaining communication with Israeli officials.
In ongoing discussions, Austin highlighted the urgency of addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and encouraged Israel to shift towards diplomatic solutions in Lebanon. The Pentagon’s assessment indicates ongoing Israeli operations against Hezbollah amidst concerns for UN peacekeepers in the region.
The deployment of THAAD systems to Israel signifies the US commitment to supporting Israeli defense against potential threats. Singh assured that protective measures are in place to respond to any provocations effectively while striving to de-escalate tensions.