Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Call With Israeli Minister of Defense Israel Katz

Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder provided the following readout:

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke with Israeli Minister of Defense Israel Katz today to review regional threats, discuss ongoing Israeli operations, and reaffirm the United States' ironclad commitment to Israel's security. Secretary Austin emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety and security of the Lebanese Armed Forces and UNIFIL forces in Lebanon. He reiterated U.S. commitment to a diplomatic resolution in Lebanon that allows Israeli and Lebanese civilians to return safely to their homes on both sides of the border. The Secretary urged the Government of Israel to continue to take steps to improve the dire humanitarian conditions in Gaza and emphasized the U.S. commitment to securing the release of all hostages, including U.S. citizens.