‘Won’t Comment’ on if Netanyahu Is Reliable Ally

In an interview with Fox News Channel conducted on Tuesday and published Wednesday on the “Evening Edition” of the podcast “Fox News Rundown,” Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said he had no comment on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's remarks. He said he would not. While Israel is a reliable ally, there is a strong partnership between the two countries and “we will continue to support Israel in its right to defend itself.”

asked Fox News Chief National Security Correspondent Jennifer Griffin. [relevant exchange begins around 17:00] “Over the past year, you and others in your administration have become increasingly frustrated that Israel has not paid sufficient attention to civilian casualties in Gaza and now Lebanon. The US has been blindsided at times, including by not giving advanced notice of attacks on specific targets, which threatens to escalate the war and draw the US into direct conflict with Iran. Are you an ally?”

Mr Austin responded: “I don't comment on the prime minister.'' What I want to tell you is that our commitment remains to help Israel maintain its right to defend itself. Now, you've also heard me say that protecting civilians in the battle space and achieving military objectives are not mutually exclusive. I think you can do both. And I have always emphasized, in talking to our opponents, the need to make sure they are taking appropriate steps to prevent excessive casualties. But let me tell you, both Hamas and Lebanese Hezbollah have fought this tough battle. And it's very tough terrain, made even tougher by what they're doing in that they're using civilians as shields and using military command posts and ammunition. Stores located under hospitals, schools, and mosques. It's already a tough battlefield, but now it's even tougher. But having said that, our expectation is that we will do everything we can, that the Israelis are doing everything they can to protect civilian life. That's it. ”