Defense Secretary Austin to visit Israel amid ongoing clashes with Hamas

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin plans to travel to Israel on Friday amid ongoing hostilities between that country's government and Hamas terrorists operating out of the Gaza Strip.

Austin's visit follows an explosion of hostilities between both parties prompted by an unexpected incursion by the terror group's forces into Israeli territory over the weekend. Hamas terrorists stormed border towns, seizing hostages and inflicting considerable civilian casualties. The Israel Defense Forces have since launched retaliatory strikes on Gaza.

The Department of Defense confirmed Austin's visit on Thursday, saying he plans to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, according to Politico. While U.S. troops are unlikely to set foot in Gaza, Washington has already made several shows of support from Jerusalem, including Austin's deployment of an aircraft carrier group to the coast.

"I have directed the movement of the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group to the Eastern Mediterranean," Austin said Sunday. "This includes the U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78), the Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60), as well as the Arleigh-Burke-class guided missile destroyers."

Secretary of State Antony Blinken traveled to Israel on Wednesday and plans to visit Jordan while out of the United States.

"In the days ahead, we will continue to stand with our Israeli partners. As I head to Israel, I will be working to ensure they are equipped to defend themselves and making sure any hostile parties know they must not seek to take advantage of the situation," he said before departing.

At least 25 Americans have died amid the hostilities.

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter.