Live Update 
From the Liveblog of
Tuesday, December 12, 2023
From the Liveblog of
Tuesday, December 12, 2023
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin expected in Israel next week
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, right, and his US counterpart Lloyd Austin shake hands while delivering joint statements at the Kirya military base in Tel Aviv on October 13, 2023. (Miriam Alster/Flash90)
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is expected to visit Israel next week, the Ynet news site reports.
Austin joins a raft of senior US officials visiting the region amid reports the US is pushing Israel to wrap up the war on Hamas in Gaza.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken was in Israel last week and US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan will visit Israel at the end of the week.
The US is also pushing Israel to ensure greater aid enters Gaza and to try and further limit civilian casualties.
