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Immediate Release

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

Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby provided the following readout:

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke this afternoon with Israeli Minister of Defense Benjamin “Benny” Gantz.  Secretary Austin welcomed the Israeli Cabinet’s decision to agree to a ceasefire, and shared Minister Gantz’s hope that there will be a complete restoration of calm.  Both parties agreed on the importance of Israel having the capabilities it needs to defend itself from rocket and missile attacks.