In a phone call with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, Austin reiterated the US’s commitment to take “every possible” step to defend Israel, the Pentagon said in a statement.
“Reinforcing this commitment, Secretary Austin has ordered the USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN Carrier Strike Group, equipped with F-35C fighters, to accelerate its transit to the Central Command area of responsibility, adding to the capabilities already provided by the USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT Carrier Strike Group,” it added.
Additionally, Austin ordered the USS Georgia (SSGN 729) guided missile submarine to the Central Command region,according to BBC.
The defence chiefs also discussed Israel’s operations in Gaza and the importance of mitigating civilian harm, progress towards securing a ceasefire and the release of hostages held in Gaza, and US efforts to deter “aggression” by Iran, Lebanon’s Hezbollah group, and other Iran-aligned groups across the region, the Pentagon added.
