IDF spokesperson Lt. Col. Richard Hecht joined ‘Live’ to discuss the latest updates emerging from the Israel-Hamas war. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol reportedly told U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin both of their nations should be ready for “Hamas-style” attacks from North Korea in the region. The warning came when Yoon invited Austin and U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff General Charles Q. Brown, Jr. to the presidential residence in Seoul for a meeting over dinner, Yonhap News Agency reported.
Yoon emphasized the need for “a vigilant South Korea-US combined defense posture capable of promptly and decisively retaliating against any provocations from North Korea, including surprise attacks resembling Hamas-style tactics due to its miscalculation.” He also highlighted the connection between the Israel-Hamas war and the Ukraine-Russia war to North Korea.
To address these concerns, Austin reassured Yoon that President Biden is committed to further strengthening the U.S.-South Korea military alliance. Both allies are scheduled to discuss a range of security issues, including ways to bolster Washington’s extended deterrence commitment against North Korea’s missile and nuclear threats.
During his visit, Austin attended a ceremony honoring veterans from both countries at the War Memorial of Korea in Seoul. He expressed pride in the relationship between the United States military and its Korean counterparts, emphasizing their deployment and collaboration around the world.
Following the talks, U.S. defense officials announced that Austin and his South Korean and Japanese counterparts have decided on a mechanism to exchange real-time missile warning data, enhancing each country’s ability to monitor missiles launched by North Korea. This mechanism is expected to be fully operationalized by the end of December. The defense ministers also encouraged the development of a multi-year trilateral exercise plan, which is set to be finalized by year-end.
In addition to meeting with South Korean and Japanese counterparts, Austin is scheduled to attend the 55th annual Security Consultative Meeting and the United Nations Command inaugural meeting of member states’ defense ministers. This visit comes after U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed with South Korea’s leadership, including Yoon, the growing threat posed by North Korea and its alleged provision of military equipment and munitions to Russia for its war against Ukraine.
During their meeting, Blinken and Yoon expressed concerns about North Korea’s provocations in the region and strongly condemned the provision of military equipment and munitions by North Korea to Russia. They also discussed the importance of U.S.-South Korean cooperation on global challenges, including China’s assertiveness and the instability in the Middle East.
The discussions between South Korea and the U.S. highlight the shared concerns regarding North Korea’s potential “Hamas-style” attacks and the need for a strengthened military alliance. The cooperation between the two nations aims to ensure a vigilant defense posture and enhance their capabilities to monitor North Korea’s missile activities. These developments also underscore the concerns about North Korea’s alleged involvement in providing military support to Russia in its conflict with Ukraine.
The Associated Press contributed to this report. Danielle Wallace is a reporter for Digital covering politics, crime, police, and more. Story tips can be sent to [email protected] and on Twitter: @danimwallace.
