Pentagon chief reaffirms US commitment to Israel's defense

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin attends a joint press conference during the 2024 Australia-U.S. Ministerial Consultations (AUSMIN) at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, U.S., August 6, 2024. /Kevin Mohatt/File Photo

WASHINGTON - U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke with his Israeli counterpart and reaffirmed Washington's commitment to Israel's defense, the Pentagon said late on Saturday.

Austin "spoke with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant to discuss Israel’s defense against Lebanese (Hezbollah) attacks," a Pentagon readout of the call said.

"Secretary Austin reaffirmed the United States’ ironclad commitment to Israel’s defense against any attacks by Iran and its regional partners and proxies," it added.

- (Reuters)