Austin

August 23, 2024 | Seth J. Frantzman |

Israeli defense minister announces the defeat of Hamas’s Rafah Brigade

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have defeated Hamas’s Rafah Brigade, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said during a trip to southern Gaza on August 21. Gallant visited with the IDF’s 162nd Division,...

July 17, 2024 | Seth J. Frantzman |

Israel’s Defense Minister meets with US leaders and sees progress in Gaza

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant spoke to US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin on the evening of July 16, communicating his views on Israel’s progress in Gaza. Gallant “emphasized that IDF operations...

June 26, 2024 | |

Gallant Underscores U.S.-Israel Bond During Multi-Day Trip to Washington

Following a series of high-level meetings in Washington, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant emphasized the enduring bond between the United States and Israel in remarks on June...

June 25, 2024 | Seth J. Frantzman |

Israel intercepts Hezbollah drones as Israel’s defense minister continues meetings in Washington

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant continued his multi-day trip to Washington, DC, on June 25, meeting with US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin. Gallant praised Austin and the US for their steadfast...

March 26, 2024 | Seth J. Frantzman |

Israel’s Minister of Defense in Washington for key meetings

Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant arrived in Washington for a multi-day visit for meetings with Secretary of State Antony Blinken, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, Secretary of Defense Lloyd...

March 25, 2024 | |

Israeli Defense Minister Visits Washington to Push for Expedited Military Aid

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant arrived in Washington this week, reportedly to request expedited shipments of weapon systems from the United States. The visit marks Gallant’s...

December 26, 2023 | Joe Truzman, Bill Roggio

U.S. military strikes Hezbollah Brigades in Iraq after soldiers wounded in drone strike

The U.S. military launched airstrikes in Iraq against Hezbollah Brigades, an Iranian proxy, and allied militias after three U.S. soldiers were wounded, including one critically, when a drone struck a...

December 21, 2023 | |

Israel Defense Minister Warns of Red Sea Threats on Visit to Israeli Navy Near Eilat

Israel Defense Minister Yoav Gallant visited an Israeli Navy ship on December 20 and discussed recent attacks against commercial shipping in the Red Sea by the Iran-backed Houthi...

December 20, 2023 | Seth J. Frantzman |

Deterring the Houthis Won’t Be Easy for the Red Sea Maritime Task Force

On Tuesday in Bahrain, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin announced a new maritime “multinational security initiative” designed to confront continued attacks by the Iran-backed Houthis...

December 19, 2023 | |

Israel SitRep: Dec. 19, 2023

Today’s Issue: IDF Completes Beit Hanoun Operations, Heavy Fighting in Shejaiya | IDF Eliminates Hamas Terror Financier, Finds Over 5 Million Shekels in Hamas Official’s Home | Mossad Head in Warsaw...

December 19, 2023 | Seth J. Frantzman |

Middle East shifts focus to Houthi threats in Red Sea

France, the UK, and the US already have warships in the Red Sea or nearby, and they have seen action to prevent Houthi attacks. It is anticipated that more countries will send ships.

December 18, 2023 | |

U.S. Secretary of Defense Visits Israel, Bahrain, and Qatar

U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin arrived in Israel on December 18 and met with his Israeli counterpart. Austin said on X that he and Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant discussed...

December 18, 2023 | Seth J. Frantzman |

US Secretary of Defense Austin arrives in Kuwait

Kuwait has played a very circumspect role in the region.

December 17, 2023 | Seth J. Frantzman |

What would a maritime security force mean for the Red Sea?

The Iran-backed Houthi attacks have only escalated in the past week by firing on Eilat, having begun in October to match the Hamas massacre.