Yoav Gallant: US-Israel Cooperation Against the Islamic Republic and Its Proxies is 'Vital' for Regional Security

Yoav Gallant, Israel's Defense Minister, stated in a conversation with his American counterpart, Lloyd Austin, on Friday, August 12, that the 'unprecedented security cooperation' between the two countries against the Iranian regime and its proxy groups is 'vital' for regional security and stability. According to a statement from the Israeli Ministry of Defense, Gallant informed Austin about the 'assessment of the situation in light of recent security developments.' The war in Gaza and the issue of hostage release were also discussed, with Gallant emphasizing his country's commitment to continuing efforts for the swift release of hostages. Meanwhile, the New York Times reported on Friday, citing American officials, that the US is preparing to send more warplanes to the Middle East in response to threats from the Islamic Republic of Iran and its proxies in Gaza, Lebanon, and Yemen regarding potential attacks on Israel in the coming days. An unnamed US military official told the New York Times that American forces in the Middle East will take 'necessary measures' to increase military readiness and protect American forces and their allies from any threats posed by the Islamic Republic or its supported militia groups. The number of warplanes to be sent and the final approval from senior American officials, including Lloyd Austin, is still under review. The report indicates that the US is considering how to respond by sending 'appropriate' aircraft as quickly as possible to assist in defending Israel without escalating conflicts in the region. Previously, Axios reported that retaliation from the Islamic Republic is expected to occur similarly to the April 14 attack on Israel, but it may involve larger scale and Hezbollah's involvement. Following the April 14 attack, the US Central Command announced that, with the support of American European command destroyers, it intercepted and destroyed over 80 suicide drones and at least six ballistic missiles launched by the Islamic Republic and Yemen targeting Israel. A US defense official told the Washington Post that the escalation of tensions in the Middle East following the deaths of senior Hamas and Hezbollah officials did not prompt the Pentagon to deploy additional forces, but the United States has stationed at least 12 warships in surrounding areas. This official stated that the ships include the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt, its accompanying warships, and the ground-sea operational group 'Wasp,' which consists of three ships and over 4,000 Marines and sailors. The USS Theodore Roosevelt was stationed in the Persian Gulf on Wednesday, August 10, along with six American destroyers. An Israeli government spokesperson also stated on Thursday, August 11, that Israel is prepared for any potential retaliation from the Islamic Republic and its allies regarding the killing of senior Hezbollah and Hamas leaders and will respond 'strongly' to any attack. US President Joe Biden reiterated the United States' commitment to Israel's security against all threats from the Islamic Republic and its proxy groups during a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday, August 11. Biden, who was joined by Vice President Kamala Harris during the call, supported efforts to uphold Israel's right to defend itself against threats, including ballistic missiles and drones, naming the Islamic Republic's 'terrorist' proxy groups such as Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis. A proposal is being presented to the US Senate for the use of military force against the Islamic Republic under specific conditions. Regional media reported that Hezbollah is evacuating its positions in Beirut, preparing for a potential response from the Islamic Republic's proxies. Axios reported on the US's readiness for a 'potential attack by the Islamic Republic' on Israel. Israel announced that the 'responsible for the murder of children in Majdal Shams' has been killed; Gallant stated that the 'removal' of a senior Hezbollah commander shows that Israel will take revenge for its people. France warned its citizens to 'leave Iran immediately' amid unprecedented tensions in the Middle East. The largest airline in India has suspended its flights to Israel for one week.