Austin Travels to Middle East, Europe to Strengthen Ties With Allies Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III is traveling to the Middle East and Europe to consult with some of America's closest allies, with an eye toward "revitalizing" America's relationships. The secretary begins his trip in Israel, moves on to Germany, and then goes to Brussels for meetings with NATOSecretary General Jens Stoltenberg. He'll wrap up his travels in the United Kingdom. In Israel, Austin will meet with Defense Minister Benny Gantz and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The secretary is the most senior Biden administration official to visit the country. He is visiting the week Israel marks Holocaust Remembrance Day, followed by Israeli Independence Day.