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 w…

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.

    • Spzi@lemm.eeEnglish
      3·
      1 year ago

      Good point, maybe that’s all there is to it, and I’m reading too much into it. I stumbled over sentences like this one:

      “Over the coming days the Department of Defense will work to ensure that Israel has what it needs to defend itself and protect civilians […]”

      That seems to imply Israel currently, without benevolent help, does not have what it needs, and cannot protect it’s own civilians. The wording can be seen as a way to stylize Israel as a dependent weakling. Also note they talk about a proactive, unilateral action. US takes steps to ensure that Israel can defend itself. That’s quite different from coming to help, or offering assistance.

      There are other ways to react and phrase things. They could firmly reassure their ally of their unconditional support by offering it, whenever Israel wants to request it. Maybe even prepare steps but emphasize it’s Israel’s call. While expressing confidence Israel is well equipped to deal with the situation.

      But maybe the servant role does not sell so well to the domestic audience. Again, I don’t know. I just found this odd.

      • sczlbutt@lemmy.pubsub.funEnglish
        2·
        1 year ago

        I think I read somewhere that Israel is the largest cumulative recipient of US foreign aid since WWII…so there’s that