Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder provided the following readout:
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III called Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant today to discuss Israel's military campaign in Gaza and preparations for the stabilization phase that will follow major combat operations. The Secretary reiterated U.S. resolve to ensure Hamas can no longer threaten Israel's security and underscored the importance of protecting Gaza's civilians and accelerating humanitarian assistance.
Secretary Austin and Minister Gallant also discussed threats to regional security, including Hizballah's destabilizing activities in southern Lebanon, Iran-aligned militia attacks against U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria, and Houthi assaults against international commerce in the Red Sea.