US support for Israel ironclad, but safety of Gazans a priority: Austin

US defence secretary Lloyd Austin told top Israeli leaders on Monday that protecting civilians was a "strategic imperative" for their ground and air campaign in Gaza, as pressure grows on Israel to scale back the war. Austin, making his second visit to Israel since the deadly Hamas-led October 7 attacks, met with PM Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel's defence minister, Yoav Gallant, and other top officials to discuss in detail how Israeli forces will transition to the next phase of the war.