WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. defense leaders met with Israel’s minister of defense on Tuesday as the United States warns against a ground invasion of the southern Gaza city of Rafah, but rising tensions between the two allies put any progress in question.
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In remarks at the start of the Pentagon meeting, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said they would discuss alternative ways to target Hamas in Rafah, and he described civilian casualties in Gaza as “far too high” and aid deliveries as “far too low.” But he also repeated the belief that Israel has the right to defend itself and the U.S. would always be there to help.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, meanwhile, emphasized the ongoing threats to Israel, and said the meeting would address ways to destroy Hamas and get the Israeli hostages released, as well as plans to return displaced residents to their homes.
Austin made no mention of threats to limit or condition future military aid to Israel on humanitarian gains, a growing sentiment among members of Congress and others. And Gallant only said that the meeting would include discussions about the important cooperation between the two countries to “ensure Israel’s military edge and capabilities.”
The meeting, which also included Gen. CQ Brown, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, comes as tensions have spiked between the U.S. and Israel, stemming from the widespread global frustration over the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza and political discord surrounding efforts to achieve a cease-fire.
כי לה’ המלוכה ומושל בגוים
Mr. Austin ! if all the ROTZCHIM are in RAFFAH , what is your alternative ? another words , could you guarantee : NO MORE OCT. 7 ?
The best case scenario would be to exile all those in faxa, depirt them to other Muslim countries, even hive each one $100 aa a starter.
Then rebuild all Jewish with flourishing sea port..if world opinion lets
They probably won’t
Minimal it must be a no man’s land under Israel control only!
To have protected borders.
No way can people go back and resettle their homes without security.
Only an idiot would..
Israel and Eretz Yisroel have one ally, Hashem. And that comes from Torah and Tefilla, The rest of the world are at best the extension of the hand of Hashem.
Mr. Austin, how come you still around ? Why didn’t you resign ?