Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Call With Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav GallantReadout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Calls With Israeli[...]

Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder provided the following readout:

On September 28, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant to discuss the situation in Lebanon. Secretary Austin made it clear that the United States supports Israel's right to defend itself and reinforced that the United States is committed to deterring Iran and Iranian-backed partners and proxies from taking advantage of the situation or expanding the conflict. Secretary Austin emphasized that the United States remains postured to defend U.S. forces in the region.