In Israel, U.S. defence chief to look to next phase of Gaza war

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin arrived in Israel on Monday for talks expected to focus on Israel’s eventual end to high intensity war in Gaza and its transition to a more limited, focused conflict, officials say.
For Austin, the trip is a delicate balancing act. He has steadfastly supported Israel’s right defend itself following Palestinian militant group Hamas’ surprise Oct. 7 attacks. But he has also become increasingly vocal about the plight of civilians in Gaza as Israeli strikes drive up casualties.
In a speech earlier this month, Austin went as far to call civilians the “center of gravity” in Israel’s war with Hamas, Gaza’s ruling Palestinian Islamist movement, and warned about the risks of their radicalization.
A senior U.S. defense official told reporters traveling with Austin that he was expected to discuss Israel’s planning for a transition to the next phase of the war in his talks with senior Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.