U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is aiming to reassure key allies of American commitment to the region despite Washington’s recent focus on Russia and China, officials said, but plans frank messages for leaders of Israel and Egypt. | Reuters
Retired U.S. Marine Corp General Frank McKenzie, who headed American forces in the Middle East until last year, said the region is significant to the United States in part because of China’s growing role.
The United States last week demanded that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu repudiate a call by his hardline Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich for a flashpoint Palestinian village to be “erased” – a comment that Netanyahu on Sunday called “inappropriate.” The U.S. State Department has called Smotrich’s comment “repugnant.”
Austin is poised to send a clear message on the need for Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to respect human rights, underscoring Washington’s concern on the issue.“I fully expect him to bring up human rights, respect for fundamental freedoms,” the U.S. defense official said. The United States, long an important player in the Middle East, has been preoccupied with other international matters during President Joe Biden’s administration including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and concern over Chinese military activity near the self-ruled island of Taiwan.
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