hospitalized, but also in the intensive care unit for at least four days, according to two senior administration officials. asked why his stay wasn't disclosed sooner, a pentagon spokesperson items nbc news, "this has been an evolving situation in which we had to consider a number of factors," adding secretary austin has been recovering well and he resumed his full duties. the pentagon declining to say what the procedure was and what complications occurred the lack of information strongly criticized >> when presidents have issues, when other cabinet members have issues, the public is notified so there's no real justification. it's unacceptable. >> america's commitment to israel is unwavering >> reporter: the secretary in israel as recently as mid-december as its war with hamas raises tension in the middle east on thursday, the u.s. carried out a strike that killed an iran-backed militia member in iraq while austin was hospitalized >> and ali is in delaware,