Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder provided the following readout:
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke today with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant to underscore his enduring support for Israel's efforts to ensure Hamas can never repeat the October 7 attacks, and to receive updates on Israel's operations in Gaza. The Secretary reiterated the need to protect civilians during military operations and to increase the flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza. He also condemned the actions of Lebanese Hizballah that threaten communities in Israel and called for calm along the blue line.