WASHINGTON (Reuters) – U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Wednesday reiterated the United States’ “ironclad support” for Israel’s right to defend itself in a call with his Israeli counterpart, the Pentagon said.
“Secretary Austin conveyed the Department’s ironclad support for Israel’s legitimate right to defend itself and its people, and he strongly condemned the launching of rockets by Hamas and other terrorists groups,” Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said in a statement.
“(Austin) reiterated the importance of all involved parties to take steps to restore calm,” Kirby added.
(Reporting by Idrees Ali, Editing by Franklin Paul)
