SECURITY - Central News Hub

US vows to work for Israel’s security

Austin’s two-day visit marks the first by a US official since President Joe Biden’s inauguration in January…reports Asian Lite News

During a meeting with Israeli Defence Minister Benny Gantz, visiting US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin said he was committed to boosting the Jewish state’s security and “continuing our close consultations on threats posed by Iran”.

Austin’s two-day visit marks the first by a US official since President Joe Biden’s inauguration in January.

Following a meeting between the two diplomats on Sunday, Austin thanked Gantz for the “important discussions on the regional threat environment and ways to deepen US-Israel defence cooperation”.

“I’m committed to continuing our close consultations on threats posed by Iran and to strengthening Israel’s security,” he added.

In response, Gantz said: “We will continue to work with the US to ensure that any agreement with Iran safeguards the vital interests of the international community and protects Israel.

“Secretary Austin and I agreed to continue a close dialogue on the urgent security challenges in the region.

Also read:Austin in Israel for talks

“Israel sees the US as a full partner on all operational fronts – the first of which is Iran

“Grateful to share vision and goals with our strategic partner and friend and know that we will work together to make sure that any Iranian nuclear agreement protects the vital security interests of the international community and of Israel.”

Austin is also expected to meet Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The Defence Secretary is not expected to visit the Palestinian Territories, although Biden has signalled that he wants to rebuild ties with the Palestinians.

The previous administration of Donald Trump made several major diplomatic moves which were welcomed by Israel but denigrated by the Palestinians, including moving the US embassy to Jerusalem, and weakening support for a two-state solution.

Austin is expected in Germany on Tuesday, and in Brussels after that.

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Tight security in Bengal ahead of polls

A total of 725 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) will be deployed in poll-bound West Bengal, CRPF Director General Kuldiep Singh said on Thursday…reports Asian Lite News.

He said that the operational strength of each company is 72 troopers, and that 495 companies have already been deployed in the state which will go for Assembly polls in eight phases — March 27, April 1, April 6, April 10, April 17, April 22, April 26 and April 29.

Addressing a press conference on the eve of the 82nd anniversary of the country’s largest paramilitary force, the CRPF chief said 230 more companies will soon arrive in the state and will be deputed at specific places in West Bengal. He said 350-370 of the total companies are from his force.

CRPF Jawans showing Body Buildig Skills stunt during 82nd Raising Day of CRPF at Kadarpur in Gurugram. (Pallav Paliwal)

Singh, a 1986-batch IPS officer of the West Bengal cadre, said that deployment in the different phases of elections is being worked out.

Women Daredevils of CRPF perform stunt during 82nd Raising Day of CRPF at Kadarpur in Gurugram. (Pallav Paliwal)

“It is pre-poll deployment, and the reason behind it is to boost security in the state so that anti-social elements and such activities could not occur,” he said.

Asked about the threat assessment, the DG said, “We supply support to the state authorities. Threat assessments are done by state authorities. They decide our deployment based on inputs.”

“State authorities work on intelligence basis. We do not interfere in those matters. We provide support to the state authorities so that peaceful and successful elections could be held under the directions of the Election Commission.”

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The DG said that the CRPF is committed for peaceful, free and fair elections wherever it is deployed by the Central government

“The CRPF only provide support to the state authorities in maintaining law and order, we do not gather intelligence inputs.”

Women Daredevils of CRPF perform stunt during 82nd Raising Day of CRPF at Kadarpur in Gurugram. (Pallav Paliwal)

Asked about the VIP security cover being provided to protectees in West Bengal, the DG said a total of 13 people enjoy the facility in the state.

Of the 13 protectees, five each enjoy ‘Z’ and ‘Y+’ category security, one ‘Y’ category and two ‘X’ category cover.

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