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.

  • Pat_Riot@lemmy.today
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    1 year ago

    Why are the displaced and oppressed minority always described as militants? Fuck Israel.

    • CookieJarObserver@sh.itjust.works
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      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
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        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
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          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.