Israel prepares to strike back against Iran

WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – As Israel continues its campaign against Hamas and Hezbollah, the U.S is warning Israel that it must increase humanitarian aid to the Palestinian civilians in Gaza.

“What we have seen over the past few months is that the level of humanitarian assistance has not been sustained. In fact, it has fallen by over 50% from where it was at its peak,” State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller said.

“Humanitarian aid still is stalling to get in into Gaza and to reach, you know, civilians that need it desperately,” Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh said.

Both Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin told their Israeli counterparts that Israel risks losing access to U.S. weapons funding, If it does not comply.

“It is incumbent upon the government of Israel to surmount those challenges and get assistance in,” Miller said.

The State Department says the U.S will give Israel 30 days to respond to the requirements.

“We believe it’s appropriate to give them a chance to cure the problem,” Miller said.

This comes as the U.S. deployed 100 troops and a high tech missile defense system to Israel, to defend against potential ballistic missile attack from Iran.

“That adds capability to Israel’s air defenses and can help shoot those down and protect, you know, innocent civilians there. And that includes Americans who are in Israel,” Singh said.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly assured the U.S. that Israel will not immediately attack Iran’s nuclear or oil sites, in retaliation for Iran’s October 1st missile attack on Israel.

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