Israel Has Right to Defend Itself, US Reaffirms

U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan on Thursday reaffirmed U.S. support for Israel's right to defend itself, in a meeting with Israeli Defense Minister Benjamin Gantz in Washington.

National Security Council spokesperson Emily Horne said in a statement that the two leaders had discussed the recent clashes between Israel and Palestinian militants that ended late last month with a fragile cease-fire. "Mr. Sullivan reaffirmed President Biden's unwavering support for Israel's right to defend itself and commitment to strengthening all aspects of the U.S.-Israel security partnership, including support for the Iron Dome System," Horne said. The Iron Dome is an air defense system designed to intercept and destroy short-range rockets and artillery shells.