Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Call With Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant

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

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant today and expressed his concern over the current escalation of exchanges between Israel and Lebanese Hizballah. He emphasized the importance of making every possible effort to reach a diplomatic resolution that ends Hizballah attacks and permits residents on both sides of the border to return safely to their homes. The Secretary also reaffirmed the need to achieve a ceasefire deal in Gaza that would bring all hostages home. The Secretary expressed the United States' unwavering, enduring, and ironclad commitment to Israel's security.