US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin is scheduled to visit Israel on Thursday amidst escalating tensions in the region and increasing civilian casualties in the Gaza Strip. Austin’s visit comes between meetings with Israeli Prime Minister Joe Biden and Israeli Ambassador Benjamin Netanyahu.

The US National Security Adviser has been informed that Israel may have conducted an unprecedented intelligence military operation in January, targeting Iranian and Hamas leaders. This has raised concerns about Israel’s security measures, and the evaluation of conditions necessary for the continuation of the counter-insurgency phase.

Austin aims to get an honest assessment of the situation in Gaza from Israel’s Defense Forces, the Ministry of Defense, and Defense Minister Yoav Galant, according to the US National Security Adviser.

The visit by Austin’s delegation is part of ongoing military activities and will also evaluate the outcome of intelligence operations in Gaza, as stated by a representative of the National Security Council.

Austin’s visit follows US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan’s recent visit and a brief statement from President Biden condemning the incidents. Israel has been strongly admonished to show restraint in the Gaza Strip.