Pentagon Press Secretary Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder provided the following readout:
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke with Egyptian Minister of Defense General Zaki today to discuss efforts to bolster security in the Middle East following the October 7 Hamas terrorist attack on Israel. The Secretary expressed appreciation for Egypt’s work to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid and the safe evacuation of U.S. citizens from Gaza. They also discussed the importance of civilian protection. Secretary Austin emphasized his support for Israel’s right to defend itself from terrorism, consistent with international humanitarian law; his focus on deterring state and non-state actors from escalating the conflict; and U.S. readiness to defend itself from Iran-sponsored attacks on U.S. personnel.