US-Israel relations and conflict with Hamas in Gaza

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stated that the U.S. has not seen evidence of genocide by Israel in Gaza during its military operations against Hamas. The Secretary also called Hamas' attack on Israel a war crime.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's Hospitalization and Democrats' Defense

During a congressional hearing, Democrats defended Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's failure to inform President Joe Biden of being in the hospital for three days amid two wars and troops under attack. They argued there were more important issues, such as funding for Ukraine, and commended Austin for taking accountability and making recommendations to avoid such incidents in the future.

Lack of Communication Between Secretary of Defense and President Biden

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin testified that it is common for him to go for days without speaking to President Joe Biden, sparking concerns about the lack of communication between the two officials.