Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant on Oct. 12 and expressed his deep concern about reports that Israeli forces fired on UN peacekeeping positions in Lebanon as well as by the reported death of two Lebanese soldiers. The Secretary strongly emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety and security of UNIFIL forces and Lebanese Armed Forces and reinforced the need to pivot from military operations in Lebanon to a diplomatic pathway as soon as feasible. Secretary Austin also raised the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza and stressed that steps must be taken to address it. The Secretary reaffirmed the United States' unwavering, enduring, and ironclad commitment to Israel's security. He acknowledged Yom Kippur and the need to bring back all hostages to their families as soon as possible.
Austin, Gallant Hold Talks on Defense 13 October
U.S. Department of Defense
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