The US Defense Department has announced that Secretary Lloyd Austin and Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant are scheduled to meet at the Pentagon on Wednesday to discuss developments in the Middle East.
Pentagon spokesperson Pat Ryder disclosed the plan to reporters on Monday and emphasized that the US is working to prevent a wider regional conflict.
He said the US understands and supports Israel’s right to defend itself but doesn’t want to see “steps that are going to escalate or cause miscalculation,” which could spin the situation out of control.
The two defense chiefs are expected to discuss the possibility of Israel retaliating against Iran for last week’s missile attack, in addition to the conflict between Israel and Hamas and the fighting in Lebanon.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has emphasized his intention to continue the military offensive in Gaza.
Netanyahu delivered a video message on Monday to mark the one-year anniversary since the start of the conflict between Israel and Hamas.
He said that the goals of the war are to topple the rule of Hamas and bring all the hostages home, dead or alive, and that they are achieving those objectives.
Describing it as a “sacred mission,” Netanyahu said Israel will not stop until any future threat from Gaza to Israel is eliminated and all residents are returned safely to their homes.