From occupied Palestine, US SecDef Lloyd Austin threatens, escalates
Lloyd Austin said that "any country, or any group or anyone trying to take advantage of this atrocity… we have just one word: Don’t."
Israeli Security Minister Yoav Gallant has announced that a second aircraft, transporting munitions for the Israeli occupation forces, is set to arrive in "Israel" today.
"Mr. Secretary, when you said that you stand with Israel, you showed up," Gallant says in a joint press statement alongside his US counterpart Lloyd Austin in "Tel Aviv."
"You stand here with us, Mr. Secretary, you have shown us what it means to be an ally, to be a friend, to be a brother," Gallant says. "Defense cooperation and US support in the Pentagon, in the White House, Congress, ensure freedom of operation and enforce our capabilities," Gallant says.
"We will [today] receive the second aircraft carrying essential munitions to the [IOF]," Gallant says. "US deployment of assets on land and in air and at sea sends a strong message to our partners and enemies in the region."
"This is a war on freedom and on our common values and we are on the front line. We will keep fighting and we will win this war," he adds.
Another “plane” of the American military air carrier has arrived in Israel. On board are weapons for the Israeli army.
— Leandro 🇵🇹🇧🇷 (@leandro_ptbr) October 13, 2023
Today, Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin flew to Israel to discuss further actions and the supply of military aid to Tel Aviv.
No more support for Ukraine 🤣 pic.twitter.com/wO3NJPWkWj
On his part, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said that it is crucial not to waver in condemning atrocities.
"This is no time for neutrality, or for false equivalence, or for excuses for the inexcusable," Austin said. "There is never any justification for terrorism. And that’s especially true of this rampage by Hamas," Austin adds.
"Anyone who wants lasting peace and security for this region must condemn and isolate Hamas," he said, adding that "Hamas does not speak for the Palestinian people, or their legitimate hopes for dignity, security and statehood and peace alongside "Israel"."
Austin says that Hamas's activity — "bloodthirsty, fanatical" — reminds him of the ISIS terror group: "Hamas has nothing to offer, but zealotry, bigotry, and death."
On a final note, Austin says that "any country, or any group or anyone trying to take advantage of this atrocity… we have just one word: Don’t."
Lloyd Austin in Israel:
— Citizen Free Press (@CitizenFreePres) October 13, 2023
"The US Department of Defense is fully prepared to deploy additional forces near Israel. America's support for Israel is iron-clad. Now, this is no time for neutrality, for false equivalence or for excuses for the inexcusable." pic.twitter.com/6BHVDcNMz5
Read more: Sec Austin assures Ukraine of US support over phone call
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin arrived in occupied Palestine on Friday for a visit aimed at demonstrating unwavering support and solidarity with the occupation.
Austin's visit, his third as Pentagon chief, follows a recent visit by Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
The trip emphasizes the United States' commitment to the Israeli occupation.
In a statement, the US Defense Department asserted that the visit underscores "the unwavering support of the US for the people of "Israel" and commitment to ensuring "Israel" has what it needs to defend itself."
Austin will also personally oversee the delivery of some of the weapons that the United States is sending to "Israel".
"We have been surging support to them. Multiple shipments have arrived in Israel of materiel they requested, and another one will arrive today and more over the coming days," a senior US defense official, en route to "Israel", stated.
The official also revealed that the United States is actively engaging with Israeli authorities on the issue of captives in Gaza, providing advice and assistance to address this critical concern.