US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has touched down in Israel, aligning with heightened international pressure for a ceasefire in Gaza.
Austin is scheduled to engage in discussions with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
As reported by Reuters, a senior US defense official accompanying Austin mentioned that the talks would likely involve Israel’s planning for the transition to the next phase of the conflict.
This visit comes as France advocates for an “immediate and durable truce” in Gaza, while the UK and Germany have urged a “sustainable ceasefire” in the region over the weekend.