"Ground War Imminent" US Defense Secretary to Visit Israel Tomorrow... "Discussing Operational Plans"

Meeting Scheduled with Netanyahu and Others
"America's Support for Israel is Firm"

As Israel is expected to launch a ground operation in the Gaza Strip, Lloyd Austin, the U.S. Secretary of Defense, will visit Israel on the 13th (local time) following U.S. Secretary of State Tony Blinken. Secretary Austin is reported to discuss operational plans and military support directions with Israel.

Lloyd Austin, Secretary of Defense
Photo by AFP Yonhap News

On the 12th, during a phone briefing, the U.S. Department of Defense announced that Secretary Austin, who is visiting Brussels to attend the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Defense Ministers Meeting, is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant in Israel on the 13th.

A U.S. Department of Defense official said, "We expect Secretary Austin to have in-depth discussions regarding Israel's operational plans and objectives, as well as the security support needed."

Since Hamas's surprise attack on Israel on the 7th, the U.S. has been providing full support to Israel through frequent communication at all levels, including the highest leadership.

In particular, the U.S. has supplied ammunition to Israel and forward-deployed carrier strike groups, including the Gerald R. Ford, the world's largest nuclear-powered aircraft carrier.

On the day of the NATO Defense Ministers Meeting, Secretary Austin, who attended the meeting, stated, "Our support for Israel is unwavering," adding, "Make no mistake. Just as we stood with Ukraine, we can and will stand with Israel."

Regarding the mission of the Ford, a U.S. Department of Defense official said, "It will carry out various activities such as intelligence support, maritime support, and long-range strike options." When asked further about the "long-range strike options," the official responded, "That refers to the capabilities of the carrier strike group, and it is not currently an option under discussion."

He added, "We have deployed tremendous forces to send a strong message to countries and non-state actors considering escalating this conflict, showing that the U.S. stands with Israel. It is important for leaders who might attempt to expand the conflict to understand the capabilities of the U.S. forces deployed in the Eastern Mediterranean."

Earlier, Secretary Blinken met with Prime Minister Netanyahu on the same day to reaffirm the United States' support for Israel.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.