BRUSSELS, Oct 13, 2023 (BSS/AFP) - US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin will visit Israel Friday and meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as the country reels from a devastating attack by Hamas militants that has left thousands dead, an American defence official said.

Austin's trip -- which follows a visit to Israel by Secretary of State Antony Blinken -- will also include meetings with defence officials and the country's emergency government, the US official said Thursday.