Today in Washington, D.C., Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke with Israeli Minister of Defense Benjamin "Benny" Gantz.
The Secretary received updates on Israel Defense Forces (IDF) strikes targeting Palestinian Islamic Jihad in the Gaza Strip and steps the Government of Israel is taking to protect its citizens from rockets launched into Israel from the Gaza Strip. He underscored Israel's right to self-defense and the enduring U.S. commitment to Israel's security.
Secretary Austin urged steps to de-escalate the situation. He also expressed concern regarding reports of civilian deaths and called for a timely and through investigation into any civilian casualties.