From the Liveblog of
Monday, December 18, 2023
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to arrive in Israel today
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin will arrive in Israel later Monday for a visit as Washington pushes Israel on civilian casualties in Gaza even as it provides vital military and diplomatic support.
British newspaper the Guardian reported on Sunday that Austin will announce a new maritime protection force during his visit to the Middle East, after repeated attacks by the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen on commercial ships traversing the Red Sea.
The report said the naval task force will initially be called Operation Prosperity Guardian and work to ensure the Red Sea is safe for shipping.
The expected mission will be modeled on a joint US-led maritime force based in Bahrain, where Austin touched down on Sunday night.
He will be in Israel Monday and will also visit Qatar while in the region.
