US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has responded to questions from reporters about the potential for regional escalation following the reported assassination of Haniyeh on Wednesday, as well as Israel’s claim it killed a Hezbollah commander in Beirut on Tuesday.

“I don’t think war is inevitable. I maintain that. I think there’s always room and opportunities for diplomacy,” Austin said, adding that the US would “work hard to make sure that we’re doing things to help take the temperature down”.

Asked if he could confirm information about the strike that killed Haniyeh, Austin said: “I don’t have any additional information to provide.”

Israel–United States relations

The United States of America was the first country to recognize the nascent State of Israel.

Since the 1960s, the American-Israeli relationship has evolved into a mutually beneficial alliance encompassing economic, strategic, and military aspects.

The US has provided strong support for Israel and has played a key role in fostering good relations between Israel and its neighboring Arab states—particularly Jordan, Lebanon, and Egypt—while countering hostility from countries such as Syria and Iran.

In return, Israel offers a strategic foothold in the region for the U.S., along with intelligence and advanced technological partnerships in both civilian and military domains.

During the Cold War, Israel served as a vital counterbalance to Soviet influence in the region.

Relations with Israel are a crucial element of the U.S. government's overall foreign policy in the Middle East.