Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant today to discuss Israel's recently concluded military operation in the West Bank. Secretary Austin underscored the United States' ironclad support for Israel's security and right to defend its people against terrorist groups. He expressed condolences to Minister Gallant for the death of an Israeli soldier and condemned the July 4 terrorist attack in Tel Aviv that resulted in multiple injuries.
Secretary Austin expressed deep concern over the recent escalation of violence in the West Bank, including extremist settler attacks against Palestinian civilians, and welcomed Minister Gallant's public call for perpetrators to be held to account. Secretary Austin underscored the need for Israeli and Palestinian leaders to work together to de-escalate the situation and to take tangible steps to strengthen security for Israelis and Palestinians alike.
