The United States intends to supply additional weaponry and munitions to Israel.
Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin on Monday said the United States will provide more arms and munitions to Israel, whose forces battle Hamas militants in Gaza following deadly attacks.
Austin also warned Iran to “stop” supporting Yemen’s Houthi rebels who were increasingly attacking vessels in the Red Sea since the Israel-Hamas war began on October 7.
“We’ll continue to provide Israel with the equipment that you need to defend your country… including critical munitions, tactical vehicles and air defense systems,” the US defense secretary said, according to a statement from the Israeli prime minister’s office.
“In the Red Sea, we’re leading a multinational maritime taskforce to uphold the bedrock principle of freedom of navigation. Iran’s support for Houthi attacks on commercial vessels must stop,” Austin also said, following a meeting with Israeli Prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu.
He said an international coalition was being built to address the issue.
“This is an international problem, and it deserves an international response,” Austin said.
“That’s why I’m convening a meeting tomorrow, a ministerial meeting with fellow ministers in the region and beyond to address this threat,” he said, adding it would be a virtual meeting.
In a joint press conference held by Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Austin, Gallant said that in the war cabinet, there were talks of a growing global threat posed by the Houthis Movement.
“Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis are funded, supported and trained by one source of evil Iran, and unfortunately, this is only the secondary effort, Iran’s major effort is acquiring military nuclear capabilities,” he stated.
Also adding, “We must take a stand. The world is watching us now … The image they see today is powerful. As we stand here, united, we are resilient, and determined. And we will win. On every front.”
Earlier on Monday the Houthi rebels said they had attacked two “Israeli-linked” vessels in the Red Sea in solidarity with Gaza.
The attacks on the Norwegian-owned Swan Atlantic and another ship identified by the Houthis as the MSC Clara are the latest in a flurry of maritime incidents that are disrupting global trade in an attempt to pressure Israel over its war against Hamas militants.
Negotiations continue for the implementation of a new ceasefire, as Qatar, the main mediator, alongside the United States and Egypt, has stated that “diplomatic efforts are underway to renew the humanitarian pause.”
According to the Axios news site, CIA Director William Burns met with Israeli and Qatari officials in Warsaw for further negotiations on a potential hostage release.
Khalil Wakim, with AFP
