Attributable to Pentagon Press Secretary Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder:
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke by phone on Feb. 24 with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant.
He encouraged the de-escalation of tensions in the West Bank, following a military raid this week that resulted in civilian casualties. Secretary Austin underscored his steadfast commitment to Israel's security, and to Israel's right to defend its citizens from terrorism. The two leaders also discussed regional security issues.