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 Call With Israeli[...]

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

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant yesterday evening to receive updates on the exchange of fires between Israel and Iranian-backed Lebanese Hizballah. The Secretary expressed his support for Israel's right to defend itself as Hizballah extends its attacks deeper into Israel, and stressed the importance of finding a path to a diplomatic solution that will allow residents on both sides of the border to return to their homes as quickly and safely as possible, as well as reaching a Gaza ceasefire deal that will bring all the hostages home. The Secretary made clear that the United States remains postured to protect U.S. forces and personnel and determined to deter any regional actors from exploiting the situation or expanding the conflict.