US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin addressed reporters regarding the potential for regional escalation following the reported assassination of Haniyeh on Wednesday and Israel’s claim of killing a Hezbollah commander in Beirut on Tuesday.
“I don’t believe that war is inevitable. I stand by that. There’s always room for diplomacy and opportunities to engage,” Austin stated, adding that the US will “work hard to ensure we’re taking steps to lower tensions.”
When asked about the strike that reportedly killed Haniyeh, Austin responded, “I don’t have any additional information to provide.”
Israel–United States Relations
The United States was the first country to recognize the newly established State of Israel. Since the 1960s, the American-Israeli relationship has developed into a mutually beneficial alliance encompassing economic, strategic, and military dimensions.
The US has consistently supported Israel and has played a vital role in promoting positive relations between Israel and its neighboring Arab states—particularly Jordan, Lebanon, and Egypt—while countering hostility from nations like Syria and Iran.
In return, Israel provides the US with a strategic foothold in the region, along with intelligence and advanced technological partnerships in both civilian and military sectors.
During the Cold War, Israel served as a crucial counterbalance to Soviet influence in the area. Relations with Israel remain a key component of the U.S. government’s overall foreign policy in the Middle East.
