Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated today, Friday, that "the Gaza war is for the survival of Israel as a prosperous and democratic homeland for Jews." During a press conference with his American counterpart Lloyd Austin, Gallant remarked, "The road ahead is long, but Israel will triumph in the war," noting that "Israel will receive its second shipment of air-dropped munitions." He emphasized that "we will overthrow the Hamas government and destroy its military capabilities."
For his part, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin affirmed, "The Pentagon is fully prepared to deploy additional equipment," indicating that "munitions and air defense capabilities, as well as other equipment and resources, are flowing into Israel." He added, "Washington will ensure that Israel has what it needs to protect itself." Austin pointed out that "the U.S. Department of Defense is fully prepared to deploy additional assets if necessary." He warned that this is a time for "resolve, not revenge."
Austin continued, "The United States intends to stand by Israel in its war against Hamas," while simultaneously continuing its support for Ukraine in the face of the Russian invasion.
Austin arrived in Tel Aviv today, just one day after U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited the country. He had tweeted on the platform X, saying: "I will meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and other senior leaders to demonstrate that American support for Israel's security is strong and to discuss their defense needs face to face." He added, "We stand with the people of Israel."
