According to a recent statement, Secretary Austin has reaffirmed the United States' dedication to defending Israel by taking all conceivable measures. Austin has expedited the deployment of the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group, which includes F-35C fighters, to the Central Command area of responsibility, augmenting the forces already present from the USS Thedore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group. Furthermore, the USS Georgia (SSGN 729) guided missile submarine has been directed to the same region. Discussions between Austin and Gallant also covered Israel's activities in Gaza, emphasizing the need to minimize civilian casualties, achieve a ceasefire, secure the release of hostages, and deter aggression from Iran, Lebanese Hezbollah, and other aligned groups in the region. Iran has threatened retaliation for the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, blaming Israel for the act, which they claim was in response to a previous Hamas attack that resulted in significant casualties and hostage-taking in Israel.
US President Joe Biden, along with leaders from Egypt and Qatar, has urged Israel and Hamas to restart ceasefire negotiations in the Gaza Strip on August 15 in either Doha or Cairo. They have called for urgent discussions to finalize the agreement and implement it without delay. The mediating countries are ready to offer a final proposal that addresses the remaining issues and meets the expectations of all parties involved. Israel has confirmed its participation in these negotiations aimed at a ceasefire-for-hostages agreement. In a related development, Israel's defense forces reported approximately 30 projectiles launched from Lebanon towards northern Israel, an attack claimed by Lebanon's Hezbollah group. This incident followed an Israeli strike in southern Lebanon that resulted in injuries, including children, according to the Lebanese National News Agency.
