US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has addressed concerns about potential regional escalation following recent events, including the reported assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and Israel’s claim of killing a Hezbollah commander in Beirut.
In response to questions from reporters, Austin stated, “I don’t think war is inevitable. I maintain that. I think there’s always room and opportunities for diplomacy.” He emphasized that the US is committed to efforts aimed at de-escalating tensions and added that he did not have additional information on the strike that reportedly killed Haniyeh.
The United States was the first country to recognize the State of Israel upon its establishment. Since the 1960s, the relationship between the US and Israel has evolved into a strong alliance with significant economic, strategic, and military dimensions.
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The US has consistently supported Israel and has been instrumental in fostering relations between Israel and its neighboring Arab states, including Jordan, Lebanon, and Egypt. This partnership has been crucial in countering hostility from countries such as Syria and Iran.
In exchange, Israel provides the US with a strategic foothold in the region, as well as valuable intelligence and advanced technological collaborations in both civilian and military areas. During the Cold War, Israel played a critical role as a counterbalance to Soviet influence in the Middle East.
The US-Israel relationship remains a key component of American foreign policy in the Middle East, reflecting its broader strategic interests and commitment to regional stability.
