US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, has announced that the United States is considering Israel’s requests for additional military assistance, as reported by CNN. Blinken stated, “We are reviewing specific additional requests made by the Israelis.” He further mentioned that more information regarding this matter may be revealed on Sunday, October 8th.
Blinken also highlighted that, according to a memorandum signed during Barack Obama’s presidency, Washington provides $3.8 billion in annual military aid to Israel. Prior to this, the US Defense Secretary, Lloyd Austin, emphasized the unwavering position of the United States regarding Israel’s right to self-defense. Austin stated that in the coming days, the US Department of Defense will work towards ensuring that Israel has everything necessary for self-defense and the protection of its civilians “from indiscriminate violence and terrorism.”
On October 7th, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced that terrorists from the Gaza Strip had infiltrated Israel’s border areas following a massive rocket attack from the enclave. Hamas militants launched rockets towards Israeli cities and areas near Tel Aviv. Israel’s Defense Minister, Yoav Galant, declared that the Palestinian radical Islamist movement had declared war on his country. Consequently, the Defense Minister initiated a mass mobilization of reservists in the country.
Earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to destroy Hamas in response to the escalating situation.
