Secretary Austin and NATO counterparts to be briefed by Israeli Defense Minister
United States Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg warmly greeted each other before the second day of NATO sessions at its Brussels headquarters.
Austin invoked the conflict in Israel ahead of the meetings, saying "I know you share our outrage at the terrorist attack on Israel by Hamas and also our determination to support Israel's right to defend itself."
Austin and his counterparts are expected to discuss support for Ukraine, NATO's missions and operations in Kosovo and Iraq and will also be briefed on the ongoing situation in Israel by Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant, Stoltenberg said.
"On all of these issues, the Middle East, Ukraine, Iraq -- the United States, and you personally, Secretary Austin, provides security and leadership for all the NATO allies, and that is something we really, really appreciate." Stoltenberg said.
Sharing similar sentiments, Austin said that "NATO is as strong and as united as I've ever seen it."