U.S. Defense Department spokesman: The United States will unswervingly support Israel’s right to self-defense

May 18, U.S. Defense Department spokesman John Kirby said at a media briefing that U.S. Defense Secretary Austin spoke with Israeli Defense Minister Benjamin Gantz on the same day, in which Austin reiterated the U.S. unwavering support for Israel’s defense of its own country and the rights of its citizens, and expressed regret for the innocent victims of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The United States wants both sides to stop the violence and restore calm.

In addition, Kirby said the Defense Department is reviewing internal extremism and white supremacism in response to federal efforts to combat extreme violence at home.