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 today to discuss the situation in Gaza and the United States’ ironclad support for Israel. Secretary Austin reiterated strong U.S. objections to the International Criminal Court prosecutor’s outrageous application for arrest warrants against Israeli leaders.  

The Secretary underscored the urgent need to increase humanitarian assistance to Gaza across all available crossings.  Secretary Austin encouraged the Israeli government to conclude talks with Egypt to reopen Rafah Crossing and resume the flow of aid from Egypt through Kerem Shalom. The Secretary also advocated for an effective mechanism to deconflict humanitarian and military operations inside Gaza.

Secretary Austin and Minister Gallant acknowledged a shared interest in the enduring defeat of Hamas and the urgent release of all hostages, and they discussed how best to defeat Hamas’ Rafah remnants while minimizing civilian harm.

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