US defense chief: ‘We’ll ensure that Israel has what it needs to defend itself, protect civilians from terror’

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin says the Pentagon will work in the coming days “to ensure that Israel has what it needs to defend itself and protect civilians from indiscriminate violence and terrorism.”

“Our commitment to Israel’s right to defend itself remains unwavering, and I extend my condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in this abhorrent attack on civilians,” Austin says in a statement.