Israel awaiting second US plane with weapons

Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant has announced that the US had sent a second batch of military aid to Israel.

Galant made the statement during a press conference with the head of the Pentagon, Lloyd Austin, The Times of Israel reports.

The plane carrying weapons is expected to arrive in Israel on October 13.

"Today we will receive the second aircraft carrying essential munitions to the IDF... US deployment of assets on land and in air and at sea sends a strong message to our partners and enemies in the region," said Gallant.

Austin, in turn, stated that "There is never any justification for terrorism," and called for the condemnation of HAMAS.

"This is no time for neutrality, or for false equivalence, or for excuses for the inexcusable... HAMAS has nothing to offer, but zealotry, bigotry and death," added the head of the Pentagon.

On October 7, HAMAS militants from the Gaza Strip entered southern Israel. Numerous rocket attacks on Israeli territory preceded this.

Israel declared a "state of war" and promised to retaliate against HAMAS terrorists. The Israel Defence Forces called on residents of the Gaza Strip to evacuate to the south, giving them a day to do so. The UN criticised Israel's calls. The media outlets believe that Israel's warning is related to plans for a ground operation.

The head of the Pentagon, the presidents of the European Commission and the European Parliament, and the Italian foreign minister also arrived in Israel on October 13. Tel Aviv also plans to welcome the German foreign minister.