Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's Comments on Gaza, Israel, and Ukraine

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin emphasizes the importance of protecting the civilian population in the Gaza Strip and calls for increased humanitarian aid. He reframes the approach to defeating Hamas as one of depleting its military capability rather than full eradication. Austin also discusses the need to support Ukraine and protect the rules-based international order.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's Medical Procedure

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin will undergo a medical procedure at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center to address ongoing bladder issues that arose after his treatment for prostate cancer. The procedure is elective and minimally invasive, not related to his cancer diagnosis, and he will temporarily transfer power to his deputy, Kathleen Hicks.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's Nonsurgical Procedure

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin will undergo a scheduled, elective, and minimally invasive nonsurgical procedure for a bladder issue, unrelated to his cancer diagnosis, transferring power temporarily to Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks.

Michael Rapaport criticizes President Joe Biden for withholding arms to Israel over Rafah

Actor Michael Rapaport criticizes President Joe Biden for withholding arms to Israel over Rafah, calling him derogatory names and unendorsing him. Rapaport is upset about the decision during a war and while hostages are still in the area. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin confirmed the U.S. is withholding a shipment of weapons to Israel over concerns about its attack on Hamas in Rafah.

U.S.-Israel Relations and Biden Administration's Weapon Shipments

Breitbart News questioned Israeli government spokesman Avi Hyman about U.S. President Joe Biden's threat to stop weapons shipments to Israel, wondering if it met the dictionary definition of 'treachery.' Biden's administration withheld bombs to deter Israel from attacking Hamas in Rafah. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin confirmed the reports and Biden expanded the threat to include artillery rounds.

U.S. Withholding Shipment of Weapons to Israel

Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin confirmed the U.S. is withholding a shipment of weapons to Israel over concerns about its attack on Hamas in Rafah. The decision to pause the shipment has faced criticism and questions from Republican Senators.

Pro-Palestinian Protesters Target Biden Administration Officials

Pro-Palestinian protesters targeted both White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin by dumping manure outside their residences, leading to bomb squad responses. The incidents were accompanied by chants criticizing their actions.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's actions and criticism

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin faced criticism for seeking grace and forgiveness for his undisclosed medical leave while refusing to extend the same grace to 8,600 service members discharged due to the COVID-19 vaccine mandate. Rep. Matt Gaetz highlighted Austin's breach of protocol and lack of accountability, pushing for reinstatement of the discharged service members.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's Hospitalization and Chain of Command

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's aides made the decision to transfer his authorities to his deputy when he was hospitalized without informing President Biden, leading to a breakdown in the chain of command. Austin blamed his staff for not informing the president sooner and claimed there was no break in command and control.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin Testifying Before House Armed Services Committee

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is set to testify before the House Armed Services Committee about keeping his hospitalization a secret in January.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's Hospitalization Secrecy

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's hospitalization for complications from prostate cancer surgery was kept secret from the White House and the public for several days, leading to criticism of the Pentagon. An internal review largely absolved anyone of wrongdoing, citing no ill intent.