Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant today.
Secretary Austin and Minister Gallant discussed Israel's recovery of the remains of six hostages in Gaza murdered by Hamas, including the 23-year-old American citizen Hersh Goldberg-Polin. The Secretary passed along his deepest condolences to the families of all of the slain hostages, and he expressed outrage at their vicious, illegal, and immoral execution at the hands of Hamas. The Secretary affirmed that Hamas leaders must be held accountable for their crimes. And Secretary Austin and Minister Gallant reaffirmed their mutual commitment to swiftly reaching a ceasefire deal to secure the release of all of the hostages.
Secretary Austin also conveyed his condolences for three Israeli police officers killed in an apparent terrorist attack in the West Bank this morning and expressed his concern over rising tensions and increased terrorist activity there this week.
