U.S. defense chief Austin arrives in Israel, says world must condemn ‘great evil’ of Hamas

The U.S. will stand firmly behind Israel as it responds to the “great evil” perpetrated by Hamas terrorists last week, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Friday, urging the rest of the world to reject any notion of “neutrality” in the unfolding conflict.

Mr. Austin arrived in Israel on Friday and participated in a news conference alongside Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant in Tel Aviv. His visit comes on the heels of Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s visit to Israel a day earlier.

“Times like these, sometimes the best thing that a friend can do is just to show up and to get to work,” Mr. Austin said. “Now, this is no time for neutrality or for false equivalence, or for excuses for the inexcusable. There is never any justification for terrorism. And that’s especially true if it is a rampage by Hamas. And anyone who wants lasting peace and security for this region must condemn and isolate Hamas.”

Hamas’ attack on Israel last weekend killed more than 1,300 Israelis and at least 27 Americans. About 150 hostages are still in Hamas custody. Some of them are believed to be U.S. citizens.

The attack, which represented the single bloodiest day for Israel in decades, sparked an unprecedented response by the Israeli military against Hamas. The terrorist group, based in the densely packed Gaza Strip and financially supported by Iran, has vowed to begin publicly executing its hostages if Israel strikes any civilian targets in Gaza.

Amid the unfolding counterattack, Mr. Austin urged Israeli forces to “uphold the laws of war” and avoid any unnecessary civilian casualties or collateral damage. But he was unequivocal in America’s backing for Israel’s right to respond.

“Israel has a right to protect its people,” Mr. Austin said. “This is a time for resolve and not revenge, for purpose and not panic, and for security and not surrender.”

In his remarks, Mr. Gallant framed the battle as a fight for Israel’s very existence.

“This is a war on freedom and on our common values, and we are on the front line. We will keep fighting and we will win this war. We will prevail,” he said.