Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder provided the following readout:
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke today with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant to reiterate ironclad U.S. support for Israel's security and right to self-defense against threats from Iran, Lebanese Hizballah, Houthis, and other Iranian-backed terrorist groups. They discussed U.S. force posture moves that the Department is taking to bolster protection for U.S. forces, support the defense of Israel, and deter and de-escalate broader tensions in the region. Secretary Austin also expressed strong support for a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal.
