U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has reaffirmed the Biden administration’s support for Israel’s assault on the Gaza Strip, calling U.S.-Israeli ties “unshakable.” Austin made the remarks in Tel Aviv Monday, where he met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant and other members of Israel’s war cabinet. Their meeting came as Houthi fighters in Yemen launched drone attacks on two cargo vessels in the Red Sea — the latest in a series of assaults that Austin blamed on Iran.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin: “America’s commitment to Israel is unwavering, and no individual, group or state should test our resolve. … Iran’s support for Houthi attacks on commercial vessels must stop. Now, we’ll continue to provide Israel with the equipment that you need to defend your country, Mr. Prime Minister, including critical munitions, tactical vehicles and air defense systems.”