Washington, D.C. - Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. CQ Brown are heading to Tel Aviv to provide strategic advice to the Israeli government on transitioning from major combat operations against Hamas in Gaza to a more limited campaign. Their mission aims to prevent a wider regional war and maintain stability in the region.

The visit comes amidst escalating tensions as Iranian-backed militants launched a wave of attack drones against ships in the Red Sea, vowing to continue until Israel's "aggression" ends. In response, the US Central Command confirmed that the destroyer USS Carney of the Ford carrier strike group successfully engaged 14 one-way attack drones launched from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen. Additionally, a Royal Navy destroyer intercepted another drone targeting commercial ships.

These attacks on commercial and US Navy vessels in the Red Sea have intensified following Israel's stepped-up response to the Oct. 7 strike by Hamas. Determined to ensure its security, Israel has pledged to continue its offensive until Hamas is eradicated.

The primary objective of the US defense leaders' trip is to prevent the risk of a wider regional conflict. They plan to achieve this by maintaining a sustained high level of US military presence and engaging with Israeli officials to encourage a shift away from massive bombardment campaigns.

Defense Secretary Austin and Gen. Brown bring valuable experience from their leadership roles in transitioning from major combat to lower-intensity counterterrorism operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. However, there are uncertainties as to how their advice on lessons learned will resonate with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government.

The trip underscores the Biden administration's increased efforts to persuade Israel to scale back its offensive, which has caused significant damage to Gaza's northern region, displaced millions, and resulted in the deaths of over 18,700 Palestinians, according to the Health Ministry in Hamas-run territory.

Israel's operation has faced challenges due to Hamas' use of civilian-populated areas and their extensive network of tunnels, leading to accusations of using civilians as "human shields." President Joe Biden has cautioned that Israel's indiscriminate bombing is eroding its international support.

US officials have been urging Israel to conclude major combat operations in Gaza promptly to avoid further loss of backing. During a meeting between President Biden's national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, and Prime Minister Netanyahu on Thursday, Sullivan advocated for targeted operations by smaller military teams focused on high-value targets, rather than broad bombardments. In response, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant affirmed that major combat operations against Hamas would continue for several more months.

To ensure regional stability and deter Iran from escalating the conflict, Defense Secretary Austin has extended the deployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier and another warship in the Mediterranean Sea. These ships are vital in safeguarding the Israel-Hamas war from spreading into a broader regional conflict. The approximately 5,000 personnel aboard the USS Gerald R. Ford, originally set to return home in early November, will remain on deployment.

A total of 19 US warships, including seven in the eastern Mediterranean and a dozen more spanning the Red Sea, Arabian Sea, and Persian Gulf, are currently in the region. The ongoing missile and drone attacks have prompted major shipping companies, Hapag-Lloyd and Maersk, to temporarily pause transits through the strait.

Israeli Defense Minister Gallant stated that the Houthis are obstructing shipping in the Red Sea, emphasizing that Israel is prepared to act if necessary, but prefers to give a chance to the international system to address the maritime issue. Promising a military response if it becomes the final option.

Aside from their visit to Israel, Secretary Austin is expected to visit Bahrain and Qatar to work towards establishing a new maritime mission aimed at enhancing security for commercial ships in the southern Red Sea. Bahrain houses the US Navy's Central Command headquarters, and a multinational maritime task force responsible for ensuring the safe passage of vessels in the region.

With his past experience overseeing the withdrawal of forces in Iraq in 2011, Secretary Austin has been actively engaged since the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas. He has held over two dozen discussions with Israeli Defense Minister Gallant, and during his visit, he will continue to assess how Israel defines different campaign milestones to ensure the degradation of Hamas and the country's own security.

As the US military leaders travel to Israel, their strategic advice and engagement aim to guide Israel toward a transition from major combat operations in its campaign against Hamas. The mission seeks to prevent a wider regional conflict and maintain stability in the region.