Austin says US will help defend Israel if it’s attacked in wake of Haniyeh killing

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin says Washington will help defend Israel if it is attacked, while working to reduce tension in the region following the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran.

Asked what assistance the United States would provide if a wider conflict should break out in the Middle East, Austin says Washington would continue to help defend Israel if it were attacked, but the priority was de-escalating tensions.

“We certainly will help defend Israel. You saw us do that April. You can expect to see us do that again,” he said.

“We don’t want to see any of that happen. We’re going to work hard to make sure that we’re doing things to help take the temperature down and address issues through diplomatic gatherings.”

Austin, during a press conference in the Philippines, says a wider war in the Middle East is not inevitable.

“I don’t think war is inevitable. I maintain that. I think there’s always room and opportunities for diplomacy,” Austin says.

“What we have seen along the border, northern border, with Israel over time that’s been a concern of ours.

“Again, We are going to give everything we can to make sure that we keep things from turning in to a broader conflict throughout the region.”

Asked also if he could confirm details about the killing of Haniyeh, Austin said: “I don’t have any additional information to provide”.