A Monday NY Times report revealed of Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's recent phone call with Israeli counterpart, Yoav Gallant, the following: "In an unusual disclosure, it said Mr. Austin had ordered a submarine to the Middle East." This line alone begs the question, where is the elected civilian authority of the executive branch, the Commander-in-Chief, right now? And where is Congressional authority and oversight to wage war and put troops in harm's way? NY Times described further that in the call Austin "reiterated the United States’ commitment to take every possible step to defend Israel."