Last week, U.S. defense leaders engaged with counterparts and leaders in Israel and the United Arab Emirates to discuss security partnerships and shared security challenges. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III concluded his weeklong trip through the Indo-Pacific with a call to Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz, where they reviewed regional threats and reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to Israel’s security. Austin also emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety and security of Lebanese armed forces and United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, as well as the need for a diplomatic resolution in Lebanon to allow Israeli and Lebanese civilians to return safely to their homes.
Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Middle East, Daniel B. Shapiro, visited defense officials in the UAE to discuss enhancements to bilateral ties. In September, President Joe Biden designated the UAE as a “major defense partner of the United States,” a designation shared only with India. This designation will allow for greater cooperation through joint training, exercises, and military-to-military collaboration between the U.S., the UAE, and India. Following his visit to the UAE, Shapiro traveled to Israel to meet with Katz and other Israeli security and intelligence officials to discuss U.S.-Israel security cooperation, regional security challenges, and humanitarian assistance in Gaza.
During the discussions, U.S. defense officials urged for a cease-fire in Lebanon and Gaza, emphasizing the need for all hostages, including U.S. citizens, to be released. The State Department and National Security Council have been engaging in cease-fire negotiations, with the Department of Defense also playing a role in urging for a cease-fire to be put into place. The U.S. remains committed to working with its allies in the region to address security challenges and promote stability. The visits to Israel and the UAE underscore the importance of maintaining strong partnerships and enhancing cooperation in the face of shared security threats.
Overall, the discussions between U.S. defense leaders and counterparts in Israel and the UAE focused on strengthening security partnerships, addressing regional security challenges, and promoting stability in the region. The U.S. reaffirmed its commitment to Israel’s security and emphasized the importance of humanitarian assistance in Gaza. The designation of the UAE as a major defense partner of the United States highlights the growing cooperation between the two countries in the areas of defense and security. The U.S. continues to play a role in urging for cease-fires in Lebanon and Gaza and working towards the release of all hostages.
