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Release
Immediate Release

Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Call With Israeli Minister of Defense Benjamin “Benny” Gantz

Aug. 16, 2022

Today in Washington, D.C., Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke with Israeli Minister of Defense Benjamin “Benny” Gantz by phone. 

Secretary Austin condemned the August 14 terrorist attack in Jerusalem that wounded Israeli and U.S. citizens.  The leaders exchanged views on regional security issues, including Iran, and Secretary Austin also spoke about continued U.S. concerns regarding Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.   

Secretary Austin reiterated that the U.S. commitment to Israel’s security remains ironclad.  

Austin Defense Secretary partnerships