Austin: US ready to send additional defense funds to Israel

The US is ready to send additional defense funds to Israel if necessary, said Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin, who is on a visit to Israel, Report informs referring to foreign media.

He also noted that the US is ready to deploy additional ships near Israel.

11:37

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has arrived in Israel for a visit aimed at showing solidarity with a country still reeling from a devastating Hamas attack that has left thousands dead, Report informs referring to AFP.

Austin will meet with officials including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant during the visit to Israel -- his third as Pentagon chief -- which follows one by Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

The trip is aimed at underscoring "the unwavering support of the US for the people of Israel and commitment to ensuring Israel has what it needs to defend itself", the US Defense Department said in a statement.

Austin will also personally see the delivery of some of the security assistance the United States is sending to Israel in the wake of the surprise Saturday attack by Hamas militants who killed 1,200 people in Israel and took about 150 hostages.