#Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin

[filosofablogger]

Keith Has A Few Questions ...

Our friend Keith’s post is rather his version of what I would do as a ‘Snarky Snippets’ post!  He has some questions about things happening today … very good questions that, sadly, don’t have any very good answers.  So, I turn this afternoon’s post over to Keith to give your minds some things to ponder.  Thank you, Keith!!! Call me crazy

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#Brexit #Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin #truth & honesty in politics

[paulthepoke]

This Week in Prophecy: Gaza, Red Sea Mess, Iceland Volcano, Pope Francis & Blessings

This Week in Prophecy: Gaza, Red Sea Mess, Iceland Volcano, Pope Francis & Blessings

Zechariah 9:5-6 Ashkelon will see and fear; Gaza will writhe in agony, as will Ekron, for her hope will wither. There will cease to be a king in Gaza, and Ashkelon will be uninhabited. A mixed race will occupy Ashdod, and I will cut off the pride of the Philistines. Here is the latest operational update from War Mapper. #Gaza map update:The #IDF have continued to make gradual advances over the…

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#Grindavik #Hamas #Houthis #Iceland #IDF #Israel #Israel Defense Forces #marriage #Operation Prosperity Guardian #Pope Francis #Red Sea #same sex couples #Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin #shipping #Vatican #volcanoes #Yemen

[infonewsmania]

US faces critical years in fighting 'China challenge,' Pentagon chief warns

US faces critical years in fighting ‘China challenge,’ Pentagon chief warns

The US is at a critical juncture with China and will need military power to ensure that American values, not Beijing’s, set global goals in the 21st century, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said on Saturday. Austin’s speech at the Reagan National Defense Forum capped a week in which the Pentagon was focused on China’s rise and what that might mean for America’s position in the world. by 2035,…

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#beijin #China #China U.S. relation #China-US relations #Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin #In Beijing #In the US #Pentagon #Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin #The Pentagon #The world #U.S. #U.S. China #US China #World

[timesofocean]

Hundreds of Americans, including Biden, banned from entering Russia

New Post has been published on https://www.timesofocean.com/hundreds-of-americans-including-biden-banned-from-entering-russia/

Hundreds of Americans, including Biden, banned from entering Russia

Moscow (The Times Groupe)- The Russian government announced on Saturday that 963 Americans, including President Joe Biden and other top officials, have been banned from entering the country.

A statement said that the decision was a retaliatory measure in response to the US‘ continuous anti-Russian sanctions.

Among the names on the full national “stop list” are Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, CIA chief William Burns and FBI Director Christopher Wray.

“We emphasize that Washington’s hostile actions, which boomerang against the US itself, will continue to be responded in kind,” read the statement.

Russia is said to have taken such countermeasures in an attempt to compel the US regime, which is attempting to impose a neocolonial ‘rules-based world order’ on the rest of the world, to change its behavior by recognizing new geopolitical realities.”

“Russia seeks no confrontation and remains open to honest, mutually respectful dialogue with the American people, distinguishing them from the US authorities that foment Russophobia and those who serve them,” the statement said.

#American people #anti-Russian sanctions #CIA chief William Burns #FBI Director Christopher Wray #latest News #neocolonial rules-based world order #russia news #Russia Ukraine War #Russian government #Russophobia #Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin #The Times Groupe #Times #Times Of Ocean #Unravel News #us news #US President Joe Biden #us State Antony Blinken

[liberalsarecool]

First Black Secretary of Defense gets the white supremacy treatment from MAGA Marge and feckless Republicans. #LloydAustin

This will never happen, btw. Total political stunt.

#lloyd austin #secretary of defense

[destiel-news-network]

(Source)

#destiel #us politics #secretary of defense #Lloyd Austin #UTI #castiel #dean winchester #breaking news

[william-r-melich]

A Two-Word Solution - 04/15/2024

I hate all this war stuff. I wasn't looking forward to writing this article, but it is something I must do. We find ourselves as a country in a precarious situation of teetering on the edge of being pulled into a major, global conflict. I gathered some information from Joshua Philipp's podcast on Epoch Times, Crossroads. He read the following from an article in the "Express" in UK, published at 10:12 (their local time) on Sunday, April 14, 2024, updated the same day at 12:06.

"The possibility of Iran ramping up its enrichment activities to acquire a nuclear weapon has sent shockwaves through the region and in the West."

"Iran has already vowed to launch a 'stronger' offensive against Israel's response to Saturday's attack."

"A new government-funded billboard in Palestine Square in Tehran was unveiled last night after Iran launched hundreds of drones, missiles, and rockets at Israel with Hebrew text."

"Senior Iranian figures have urged Supreme Leader Khamenei to reconsider the country's stance on nuclear weapons, with calls to cancel the existing fatwa against their assembly."

"The shift in rhetoric has led to speculation in the West about Iran's intentions and the Supreme Leader's willingness to entertain the idea of pursuing nuclear armament."

"Mahmoud-Reza Aghamir, a prominent nuclear physics professor with ties to the Iranian regime, further fueled suspicions by suggesting that 'it would be a lot easier to build a bomb than to keep holding so much enriched uranium at high levels.'"

"Iran's possession of 150 Kilograms of uranium enriched to 60 percent" (which is the threshold for Israel to send counter attacks against Iran.) "has raised alarms about the potential for weaponization."

"Israel is closely monitoring these developments, aware that any move towards nuclear capabilities by Iran could prompt a significant military response from the United States."

"The fear is that Iran could discretely advance its nuclear program, leaving intelligence agencies as the only means of detecting such activities."

Sounds pretty iffy to me, a lot of what they could do. Yet, I suppose Israel needs to error on the side of pre-empting any possible nuclear attack. After Iran sent over 200 missiles and drones toward Israel, Israel, the U.S., and other allies knocked down 99% of them, leaving very little damage and seriously injuring a 10 year-old girl. My heart and thoughts go out to her and her family, I hope she'll be okay.

On his podcast this morning, Joshua Philipp had stated that the United States policy of MAD (Mutually Assured Destruction) is no longer in place. So, if a country uses a nuclear bomb on us or one of our major allies, then we would nuke them. When Russia threatened had threatened to possibly nuke Ukraine, the U.S. only threatened Russia with "economic and diplomatic harm." That's too weak of a response, in my opinion. So, if they use a nuke, we'll use a money-clip. Hell, we might as well use a paperclip.

I caught an informative article on Josh's show this morning which came from Time magazine back in November 2022, the headline reads:

"World Leaders Condemn Putin's War, Nuclear Threats Amid Pressure Campaign Against Russia"

"The U.S. and other world leaders issued a joint declaration Wednesday condemning Russia's War in Ukraine and denouncing threats of using nuclear weapons, an intimidation tactic that's become commonplace for Russian President Vladimir Putin since launching his invasion nine months ago."

"'The use or threat of use of nuclear weapons is inadmissible', read the statement, composed by the world's 20 largest economies. 'The peaceful resolution of conflicts, efforts to address crises, as well as diplomacy and dialogue, are vital. Today's era must not be of war.'"

"The 17-page document marks a victory for the Biden Administration and global allies, which sought to end this year's summit in Bali, Indonesia with a statement censuring Russia for its unprovoked military campaign in Ukraine. In recent weeks, the Biden team has launched a discreet, multi-pronged effort to pressure Moscow to dial back the increasingly reckless bluster that has sparked fears the world was nearing the brink of nuclear war."

"Through a series of one-on one discussions and back channels between top U.S. and Russian officials, combined with diplomatic maneuvering with other nations' leaders, the Administration has worked to get Putin and his government to stop threatening the use of nuclear weapons on the battlefield in Ukraine, where Moscow has faced mounting losses, this fall."

"In a rare disclosure on Monday, the White House revealed CIA Director William Burns met with his Russian counterpart Sergey Naryshkin in Ankara, Turkey's capital, to discuss potential costs to the Kremlin if it decides to use a nuclear weapon in the Ukraine conflict. 'He is not conducting negotiations of any kind,' a White House spokeswoman said. 'He is conveying a message on the consequences of the use of nuclear weapons by Russia, and the risks of escalation to strategic stability.'"

"The same day, President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping issued a joint-statement that said nuclear weapons should never be used, particularly in Ukraine. The rebuke was notworthy considering Beijing has tacitly approved of Putin's actions and shown reticence to join the international community's widespread condemnation of invasion."

"Read more: U.S. Unveils Strategy Threats from China and Russia."

"The message the U.S. seeks to send is clear: if Moscow goes nuclear in Ukraine, it will only experience further economic and diplomatic isolation on the world stage. There are indications that the strategy, which has gathered momentum behind the scenes since late September after Putin illegally annexed four occupied regions of Ukraine then suggested he'd defend the territory with nuclear arms, may be working. Putin back tracked late last month by stating Russia would gain nothing through launching a nuclear strike. 'We see no need for that,' he said October 27 at a conference of international foreign policy experts. 'There is no point in that, neither political nor military.'"

"Concerned observers are cautiously optimistic that the U.S. approach will continue to draw Putin away from the nuclear threshold, but they worry about the ongoing instability of relation between the world's foremost nuclear powers. 'The Biden team has been effective in cautioning Putin not to cross the nuclear line, warning of the consequences, and quietly encouraging others with influence like China to provide similar messages to Putin. They've done this very adeptly while avoiding provocations,' says Lynn Rusten, vice president at the Nuclear Threat Initiative and former senior official on arms control." In my opinion, I think this writer is being too kind to Briben (Biden). I really don't think he's effective in deterring Putin's aggression.

This next article just came out in the Epoch Times: "Israel Announces It Will Respond to Iran Missile Attack as Airlines Cancel Flights to Region." It begins with this: "Israel's miliary chief said on April 15 that Israel will respond to Iran's missile and drone attack, but it's not clear how or when."

"Herzi Halevi, head of the Israel Defense Forces, told reporters that Iran's strikes "will be met with a response" without elaborating. He spoke during a visit to the Nevatim air base, which Israel sayts suffered light damage in the Iranian attack.

“Iran wanted to harm the strategic capabilities of the State of Israel—that is something that had not happened before. We were prepared for the ‘Iron Shield’ operation—preparation that brought Iran to also meet air superiority,” he said. “Last Monday, we saw what was being organized, and we think that the State of Israel is very strong and knows how to deal with it alone, but with a threat so numerous and so far away, we are always happy to have [the United States] with us. Looking ahead, we are considering our steps, and this launch of so many missiles, cruise missiles, and UAVs into the territory of the State of Israel will be met with a response.”

"Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been huddling with top officials to discuss a possible response to Iran’s attack involving hundreds of drones, ballistic missiles, and cruise missiles."

"Iran’s attack on April 13 was the first time Tehran directly targeted Israel since the current regime took over in 1979. However, the country has been engaged in proxy attacks against both Israel and the United States originating from a number of Middle Eastern countries."

"On April 15, a number of airline companies canceled or delayed flights again after the Iranian missile and drone attack. United Airlines and Air Canada, notably, canceled some flights into Tel Aviv as well as flights into Jordan."

"Iranian officials said the attack was carried out in response to an Israeli airstrike on April 1 on a Syrian compound that left two Iranian generals and other officials dead."

"'Our response will be much larger than tonight’s military action if Israel retaliates against Iran,' armed forces chief of staff Maj. Gen. Mohammad Bagheri told state-run media in articles published on April 14. He claimed that Iran warned the United States through Switzerland that any support of an Israeli counterattack against Iran would lead to American assets being targeted."

"After the drones and missiles were launched, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard issued a direct warning to the United States through state-run IRNA that the 'U.S. government is warned any support or participation in harming Iran’s interests will be followed by decisive and regretting response by Iran’s armed forces.'"

U.S. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said this on April 15 on whether the U.S. will be briefed on any response plans of Israel: "We will let the Israelis speak to that. "We are not involved in their decision-making process about a potential response."

"The Iranian attack on April 13 was the first time that Iran has launched a direct military assault on Israel, despite decades of enmity dating back to the country’s 1979 Islamic Revolution. The attack happened less than two weeks after a suspected Israeli strike in Syria that killed two Iranian generals in an Iranian consular building."

"Israel’s military stated that its Arrow system, which shoots down ballistic missiles outside the atmosphere, handled most interceptions and noted that 'strategic partners' were involved."

"U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said in a statement that U.S. military forces 'intercepted dozens of missiles and UAVs en route to Israel, launched from Iran, Iraq, Syria and Yemen,' referring to a term used for unmanned aerial vehicles."

"'At my direction, to support the defense of Israel, the U.S. military moved aircraft and ballistic missile defense destroyers to the region over the course of the past week,' President Joe Biden said in a separate statement over the past weekend. “Thanks to these deployments and the extraordinary skill of our service members, we helped Israel take down nearly all of the incoming drones and missiles."

"Israel and Iran have been on a collision course throughout Israel’s six-month war against Hamas terrorists in the Gaza Strip after members of the group carried out a cross-border attack that left more than 1,200 civilians dead. More than 250 people were kidnapped during the Oct. 7, 2023, incident, according to officials. Israel’s government is still negotiating with Hamas for the release of the remaining hostages."

"The Associated Press contributed to this report."

With the weakness of the current appeaser-in-thief, Shmoe Briben (Joe Biden), this is absolutely the worst time for an imminent threat of a world war, let alone a nuclear one. I see this compromised-corrupt-oatmeal-for-brains-commie-ander-in-disbelief as not doing any affective deterrence, lying all the time and saying all the wrong things as he makes everything about himself on what a great job he's doing; all the while he's really been doing everything possible to cause this horrible situation which never would have happened under Donald Trump. Yes, most definitely he caused this dumb war by funding a major adversary of ours with billions of dollars which went directly to the terrorists who barbarically raped, tortured, and murdered so many innocent Israeli citizens; men, women, and children: brutally cutting out eyes, chopping off limbs, burning and beheading babies. Briben has a lot of blood on his hands which makes me both sickened and angry to the core. This kid-sniffing, corrupt bag of a rotting maggot, sub-human creature in the White House; wantonly funding such demon-savage, terrorist thugs is a heinous act driven by stupidity on steroids on a level of evil that falls perpetually deep into the infinite pits of darkness...

Yet, my hope is that I'm wrong in assuming that he'll not do enough of the right thing, and too much of the wrong thing to prevent a major global conflict. Realistically, I don't think it will come to that because Iran has to know that in spite of all the wokeness in our military at the top ranks, we would wipe them off the map in a direct war with them. I believe that China is waiting in the wings for us to get involved with at least a couple more wars while being hit with multiple, domestic terror attacks so that we'll be distracted and spread out thinly enough to give them a better chance at defeating us. We must make it to the election this November and get Trump re-elected. We must defeat Shmoe Briben, as Trump says, "get out of here, you're fired!" If we don't, we'll be seriously futticked! What a mess! Aside from the obvious, needed act of cutting off all the funding to Iran and their terrorist proxies, I have a simple, 2-word solution; stop fighting!

#trump #donald trump #joe biden #biden #shmoe briben #briben #war #global war #terror #terrorist #terrorists #attack #conflict #ukraine #russia #putin #military #military response #terrorist proxies #funding #funding iran #funding terrorist #attacks #us defense secretary #lloyd austin #aircraft #ballistic missiles #missiles #drone #drones

[dontmeantobepoliticalbut]

The Pentagon forced an Air Force base in Nevada to cancel a drag show at the start of Pride Month that had already been approved, according to three officials familiar with the situation.

The drag show at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada was scheduled for June 1 and recognizes the importance of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender service members and civilian personnel. According to a military official, it would have been the third annual drag show held at Nellis, known as “The Home of the Fighter Pilot” and the Air Force’s center for advanced fighter training.

Despite the previous two events being held at the base, this one was not allowed to move forward after the Pentagon intervened on Wednesday, according to two defense officials, forcing the base to cancel the event or move it to a different location.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has spoken in support Pride Month in the military, saying in 2021 that “LGBTQ+ citizens have fought to defend our rights and freedoms from the founding of our nation to the Civil War” and beyond. But he has drawn a line at allowing drag events or shows to be hosted at military bases, one of the officials said, making clear that DoD funds cannot be appropriated for such events.

“Consistent with Secretary Austin’s congressional testimony, the Air Force will not host drag events at its installations or facilities,” an Air Force official said. “Commanders have been directed to either cancel or relocate these events to an off-base location.”

NBC News was first to report on the show’s cancellation.

A Pentagon spokeswoman said drag shows are not an appropriate use of US military bases.

“As Secretary Austin has said, the DOD will not host drag events at US military installations or facilities,” spokeswoman Sabrina Singh said. “Hosting these types of events in federally funded facilities is not a suitable use of DOD resources. Our Service members are diverse and are allowed to have personal outlets.”

In March, Austin told a House Armed Services Committee hearing that “drag shows are not something the Defense Department supports or funds.” Pressed by Rep. Matt Gaetz, a Republican from Florida who has attacked the Defense Department over what he claims is a focus on “wokeism,” Austin reiterated at the time that “this is not something we support or fund.”

During the same exchange, Joint Chiefs of Staff Chair Gen. Mark Milley said he wanted to look into the occurrences of drag shows on military bases to “find out what actually is going on there.”

“I’d like to take a look at those, because I don’t agree with those,” he said. “I think those things shouldn’t be happening.”

#us politics #news #cnn politics #happy pride 🌈 #lgbtqia+ rights #lgbtqia+ #lgbtqia+ representation #us military #department of defense #the pentagon #Nellis Air Force Base #nevada #Lloyd Austin #NBC News #secretary of defense #House Armed Services Committee #gen. mark milley

[defensenow]

#youtube #militarytraining #Defense Priorities #Defense Appropriations #Lloyd Austin #Defense Policy #2025 Funds #Budget Showdown #Defense Legislation #National Security #Defense Funding #Defense Department #Defense Secretary #Defense Strategy #Senate #Senate Committee #Congressional Hearing #Pentagon #Military Budget #Defense Budget #Military Spending #Armed Forces #2025 #Appropriations #Gen. CQ Brown Jr. #Congress #Strategy #United States #Budget #Military

[filosofablogger]

The Games They Play ...

Yesterday afternoon I wrote about the Republican-majority in the House of Representatives wasting their time in an impeachment inquiry that will come to naught for there is nothing to find, while the clock is ticking loudly toward the November 17th government shutdown and nothing … literally nothing is being done to avert a crisis there.  But it isn’t only the pseudo-impeachment inquiry they’re…

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#House Speaker Mike Johnson #Marge Greene #Pete Buttigieg #Republican bigotry #Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin #U.S. House of NON-Representatives

[paulthepoke]

This Week in Prophecy: Saudi's & Peace, Israel & Iran Nuke Program, Israeli Gas, China Is Busy

This Week in Prophecy: Saudi's & Peace, Israel & Iran Nuke Program, Israeli Gas, China Is Busy

On This Week in Prophecy: The Saudis name their terms for peace with the Israelis. They want to develop nuclear power, for peaceful purposes of course. The Saudis would also like some assurances from the United States in regards to security. Will the United States agree? Will Saudi Arabia join the Abraham Accords? https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-733877 Many think Israel is on the…

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#Abraham Accord #cables #Cape Canaveral #Ezekiel 38-39 #Florida #internet #Iran #Iran Nuclear Program #Italy #jerusalem #natural gas #Peace #Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu #Russia #Saudi Arabia #Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin #Taiwan #United States #yuan

[gwydionmisha]

#The Pentagon #Defense Secretary #Lloyd Austin #News

[thejewishlink]

USS ‘Eisenhower’ Carrier Strike Group Headed to Israel

By TPS • 15 October, 2023   Jerusalem, 15 October, 2023 (TPS) — U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin ordered the USS Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group deployed to the Eastern Mediterranean in move widely seen as deterrent to Iran and Hezbollah. The announcement came just after Austin completed his visit to Israel where he met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav…

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#Eastern Mediterranean Deployment #U.S. #U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin #USS Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group

[timesofocean]

Iran enriches uranium above 60% could trigger strike: Israeli official

New Post has been published on https://www.timesoftehran.com/iran-enriches-uranium-above-60-could-trigger-strike-israeli-official/

Iran enriches uranium above 60% could trigger strike: Israeli official

Washington (The Times Groupe)- Iran would be entering dangerous territory that could trigger an Israeli military strike if it enriches uranium above the 60% level, Israel told the Biden administration and several European countries, Axios has learned.

Israeli officials say that in recent months, the country has escalated its threats of military action against Tehran in an apparent effort to deter it from escalating its nuclear program further as it becomes increasingly concerned about Iranian progress toward a nuclear program.

In late February, the International Atomic Energy Agency reported that Iran had amassed 87.5 kilograms of 60% enriched uranium. At least one nuclear bomb could be produced if that uranium is enriched to 90% weapons grade.

The IAEA is continuing to investigate Iranian activity in its underground nuclear facility in Fordow, which included enriching at least small amounts of uranium to 84% purity.

Israel, however, doesn’t consider the small amounts of uranium enriched at 84% purity as meaningful because Tehran didn’t amass any of the material at that level, the Israeli official said.

A top U.S. defense official told lawmakers last month that Iran will need only 12 days to enrich enough weapons-grade uranium to build one nuclear bomb, though the U.S. has also said it doesn’t believe Iran has made the decision to resume its weaponization program.

According to a senior Israeli official, Israel is not defining a public “red line” at the moment as Netanyahu did in his UN speech in September 2012.

The official added that Israel didn’t want to set 90% enrichment as a “red line” because officials believe Iran will feel it can begin enriching and amassing uranium at a level just short of weapons grade.

That is why Israel is telling U.S. and European countries that any Iranian progress above 60% enrichment would be a step that could trigger military action against Tehran’s nuclear program, the Israeli official said.

Israeli officials believe that Netanyahu’s message on the issue has been passed on to Iranian officials, according to a second senior Israeli official, who recently spoke to reporters on background. “The Iranians totally internalized our position and they know what our [red] line is,” the official said.

According to Israeli officials, Israel is preparing for a possible military strike on Iran.

Two Israeli officials said Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant asked U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin during his recent visit to Israel to expedite the delivery of the four KC-46 tankers that Israel had purchased from the U.S. last year.

The officials said Israel needs the tankers, which are used for air refueling, to prepare for a possible military strike in Iran. Israel wants to get at least some of them by the end of 2024.

During the previous Israeli government’s term, then-Defense Minister Benny Gantz had also asked Austin to expedite the delivery of the tankers.

The officials said Austin told Netanyahu and Gallant that the U.S. will try to deliver the planes earlier but stressed it will be difficult due to U.S. military needs.

The Pentagon declined to comment.

Editor’s note: This story has been corrected to reflect Lloyd Austin is the U.S. secretary of defense (not secretary of state).

#Axios #Defense Minister Yoav Gallant #Gallant #International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) #Iran #iran nuclear program #Israel #Israeli official #KC-46 tankers #military action against Iran #netanyahu #The Times Groupe #U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin #u.s. military #United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI) #Washington #Politics

[joe-england]

Let's talk about SECDEF vs Republicans....

Unbelievable. Republicans are actually blocking promotions for members of the Military because they're upset that the DOD is treating women fairly.

Really.

#youtube #politics #america #military #department of defense #dod #beau of the fifth column #sexism #culture war #secdef #secretary of defense #lloyd j. austin #women

[sayruq]

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said on 30 April that US troops building a floating pier along Gaza's coast would have the ability and authority to open fire into the besieged enclave “to protect themselves,” putting into question US President Joe Biden‘s earlier claims that Washington would have “no boots on the ground” in Gaza. “[There will] be about 1,000 US service members operating a pier system off of Gaza. How many of them will have guns, Mr Secretary?” Representative Matt Gaetz asked the US war chief during a House Armed Services Committee hearing on Tuesday. “Typically, all of the deployed service members carry guns, and they have the ability to protect themselves if challenged,” Austin replied. “Don’t you think that counts as boots on the ground? President Biden told the country that we were not going to have boots on the ground in Gaza,” Gaetz pressed Austin, to which he replied, “And we won’t.” “Okay, but you guys parse the distinction between ... Like when Americans think boots on the ground, they think Americans in harm’s way or engaged actively in a conflict. You guys seem to be sort of saying that boots on a pier, connected to the ground, connected to service members shooting into Gaza, doesn’t count as boots on the ground?” Gaetz continued. “It does not,” Austin replied, failing to explain the distinction. “If we’re gonna have people shooting into Gaza, we probably should have a vote on that, pursuant to our war powers,” the Republican lawmaker added.Last year, Gaetz introduced a War Powers Resolution legislation to end Washington’s illegal occupation of large swathes of Syria, arguing that US law had never authorized a military intervention in the country. The legislation was struck down a few weeks later in a 103-321 vote in the House of Representatives. US troops are building a $320 million “Joint Logistics Over The Shore” jetty system off the coast of Gaza to allegedly “ease the flow” of humanitarian aid into the strip. Biden announced the project nearly two months ago in response to Tel Aviv’s refusal to open border crossings into the enclave and blockades of aid convoys by Israeli settlers. Regional experts have warned that the floating pier could facilitate the mass deportation of Gaza’s population by sea.

#yemen #jerusalem #tel aviv #current events #palestine #free palestine #gaza #free gaza #news on gaza #palestine news #news update #war news #war on gaza #imperialism #genocide joe #joe biden #biden administration #gaza genocide #genocide #famine