Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said the U.S. stands squarely by Israel and will ensure it “has what it needs to defend itself” after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared war against Palestinian militants that launched a surprise attack on his country.

Austin said in a statement he was “closely monitoring developments in Israel” and extended his condolences to families of the victims who lost their lives in the Saturday attack.

“Our commitment to Israel’s right to defend itself remains unwavering,” Austin said. “Over the coming days the Department of Defense will work to ensure that Israel has what it needs to defend itself and protect civilians from indiscriminate violence and terrorism.”

The U.S. is one of Israel’s staunchest allies and has provided around $3.8 billion a year to the country.

Netanyahu declared war on Saturday against Palestinian militant groups after Hamas launched a surprise, multi-frontal attack inside Israel.

Militants launched more than 2,000 missiles and stormed Israel from multiple directions after infiltrating the border.

  • CookieJarObserver@sh.itjust.works
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    9
    arrow-down
    17
    ·
    1 year ago

    They killed civilians and dragged a dead womans naked body around for their military parade.

    They are not militants they are subhuman scum.

    • andyburke@kbin.social
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      14
      arrow-down
      4
      ·
      1 year ago

      Both sides are all just humans being the worst we have to offer as a species.

      Egged on by ridiculous stories about men in the sky, they fight for no reason when we could all just treat each other as human.

      • NoneOfUrBusiness@kbin.social
        link
        fedilink
        arrow-up
        5
        arrow-down
        2
        ·
        1 year ago

        they fight for no reason when we could all just treat each other as human.

        Okay “they fight for no reason” ignores a lot. The blockade of Gaza is genuinely one of the most horrific actions of the 21st century, and let’s not mention the ethnic cleansing.

    • GentlemanLoser@ttrpg.network
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      3
      ·
      1 year ago

      They’re not subhuman. Don’t do that.

      There’s no good guys and plenty of bad guys, but they’re all still people.