Haniyeh's assassination aftermath has pushed Middle East to brink of all-out war.  Iran keeps promising to launch a devastating retaliatory attack but to date, they have not done anything.

Defense Minister Gallant issues a harsh warning to Hezbollah leader, telling him that his murder of 12 innocent Druze children in Majdal Shams is unacceptable and will be punished.

On Monday, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke with Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, reaffirming America's strong support for Israel's security and its right to self-defense against threats from Iran, Hezbollah, the Houthis, and other Iranian-backed terrorist groups.

As tensions simmer in the Middle East following Ismail Haniyeh's death, the Pentagon flexes its military muscle with a strategic deployment of F-22 fighters, missile-defense-capable warships, and the redirection of a formidable aircraft carrier to the region. 

Tehran points finger at Washington in Hamas leader's death, despite Blinken's denial of U.S. involvement; Iran vows retaliation, raising concerns for regional stability and ongoing hostage negotiations.

Iran vows retaliation as global powers react to Hamas leader's assassination in Tehran. From Russia's condemnation to U.S. reticence, the world watches as tensions continue to escalate in the Middle East.

Amid concerns about escalation in the north, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin clarified that the U.S. will assist Israel if it is attacked by Hezbollah. Austin stated: "Israel will do whatever it takes to defend itself, and we are committed to helping it do so."

Overnight, the Defense Minister and Defense Secretary discussed the need for better humanitarian arrangements while ensuring the hostages are freed and Hamas defeated.

In their conversation last night, Defense Minister Gallant told Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin that Hamas' rejection of all proposed deals has forced Israel's hand on Rafah.

The Defense Minister said his visit to the United States will be aimed at ensuring Israel has the equipment it needs to complete its tasks in Gaza and Lebanon as well as maintain the relationship with the US.

Meanwhile, the Defense Minister told the American Defense Secretary that Israel's goals in the southern Strip have not changed and that it is determined to achieve them.

Two weeks after being hospitalized to treat prostate cancer, the White House announced that Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin will be released from hospital. He will work from home and eventually work full time at the Pentagon.

Secretary Austin outlined his plan to ensure freedom of navigation in the Red Sea in a virtual conference with senior officials from over 43 countries and beseeched them to join.

US Secretary of Defense said that these strikes were focused on Eastern Syrian bases used by Iranian or Iran-backed forces attacking US personnel.