Today in Washington, D.C., Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III met with Israeli Minister of Defense Benjamin “Benny” Gantz to enhance defense cooperation to address a range of regional security challenges, including threats posed by unmanned aerial vehicles. Secretary Austin reaffirmed the United States’ ironclad commitment to Israel’s defense and Qualitative Military Edge. He emphasized the Administration’s support for building on the May 21 ceasefire to establish an enduring security for Israelis and Palestinians alike. He also highlighted the President’s support for replenishing Israel’s Iron Dome Missile Defense System.