Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Call With Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant

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 following a barrage of rocket attacks by Lebanese Hizballah into northern Israel. During the call, the Secretary reaffirmed the United States' commitment to Israel's right to defend itself and stressed the importance of achieving a diplomatic solution to return citizens to their homes in the north. Secretary Austin emphasized his concern for the safety and security of U.S. citizens in the region.