Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said Thursday that it had accepted the invitation…reports Asian Lite News
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin phoned Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on Thursday and discussed the US steps in the Middle East to defend Israel and a Gaza ceasefire, Austin said on social media platform X.
“The US F-22 Raptors that arrived in the region today represent one of many efforts to deter aggression, defend Israel and protect US forces in the region,” Austin posted.
He added: “I also stressed the importance of concluding a ceasefire deal in Gaza that releases the hostages.”
Leaders of the United States, Egypt and Qatar jointly demanded Israel and Hamas return to stalled talks on the war in Gaza next week, saying Thursday that “only the details” of carrying out a ceasefire and hostage release remain to be negotiated. “There is no further time to waste, nor excuses from any party for further delay,” they said in a joint statement.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said Thursday that it had accepted the invitation.
Iran may dump revenge attack plan
In a last-ditch effort to quell Iran’s seething rage against Israel over the assassination of Hamas’ political leader in Tehran, leaders from Middle Eastern countries gathered at an emergency summit of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Jeddah to explore peace options.
But could Tehran instead be prepared to pull back in exchange for progress on Gaza peace talks? That was the hope among regional leaders gathered at an emergency summit in Jeddah.
Since Hamas’ political chief Ismail Haniyeh was assassinated in Tehran last week, the Iran leaders have vowed vengeance against Israel, whom they claim was responsible. Israel hasn’t confirmed or denied responsibility.
Flights across Iran and its neighbours were cancelled amid fears that missiles could fly any moment, triggering a much-feared escalation of Israel’s war in Gaza.
ALSO READ-India and US collaborate to shape the future, say Blinken, Austin
