Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder provided a readout of a call between Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant on September 28, 2024.
During the call, the two defense leaders discussed the situation in Lebanon. Secretary Austin affirmed that "the United States supports Israel's right to defend itself" and reiterated the U.S. commitment to deterring Iran and its partners from exploiting or escalating the conflict.
Secretary Austin also highlighted that "the United States remains postured to defend U.S. forces in the region."
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