US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin discussed the situation in the Middle East with his Israeli counterpart Yoav Galant, and the parties reaffirmed their commitment to containing Iran, the Pentagon said.
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According to the statement, Austin reaffirmed U.S. support for Israel’s right to self-defense and noted that Washington “retains significant capabilities in the region” to protect U.S. personnel and facilities and to further support Israel’s self-defense and deter further escalation.
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“The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deterring Iran, Iran-backed partners and proxies from taking advantage of the situation or expanding the conflict,” the Pentagon said in a statement.
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On October 1, for the second time in history, Israel was subjected to massive rocket fire, calling it an act of self-defense. The Israeli military says about 180 ballistic missiles were fired, most of which were intercepted. Videos on social networks captured the aftermath of shells falling in different parts of Israel.
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The shelling, according to Israeli authorities, caused no casualties among the country’s citizens. A number of media outlets reported the death of one person, presumably a Palestinian from the Gaza Strip, in the West Bank.
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The Iranians claim that the missiles hit Israeli military targets; the Israelis call the damage “minimal.” They promise to strike back, and the United States to come to the aid of its main Middle Eastern ally.
