US defense chief urges Israel to restrain settler violence in occupied West Bank

By Seda Sevencan

ISTANBUL (AA) - In a Thursday phone call, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, urging him to restrain settler violence in the occupied West Bank.

According to the Pentagon, Austin called Gallant to hear updates on Israel’s campaign to ensure Hamas will “no longer be able to use Gaza to threaten Israel's security” in his words, also stressing his support for Israel's right to defend itself from terrorism in the wake of the Palestinian group’s Oct. 7 attack.

Austin also urged “increased efforts to protect civilians in Gaza, increase delivery of humanitarian assistance, and curb extremist settler violence in the West Bank.”

At least 17,177 Palestinians have been killed and more than 46,000 others injured in relentless air and ground attacks on the Gaza Strip since Oct. 7.

The US defense chief also voiced concern over the deadly cross-border exchanges between Israel’s army and Lebanese Hezbollah this week.

“Finally, the Secretary condemned growing Houthi aggression in the Red Sea, which threatens freedom of navigation and the free flow of commerce.”

Separately, Austin held a phone call with Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman Al Saud to address Houthi threats to “freedom of navigation in the Red Sea.”

Speaking in the wake of Houthis targeting a US warship in the Gulf of Aden, he underlined that Houthi aggression toward vessels transiting critical waterways poses risks to the free flow of commerce and the international shipping industry.

“Secretary Austin conveyed his desire to work with all nations who share an interest in upholding the principle of freedom of navigation and ensuring safe passage for global shipping.” ​​​​​​​