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 to discuss ongoing attacks against Israel by Lebanese Hizballah. The Secretary and the Minister also discussed opportunities to enhance U.S-Israeli military cooperation in response to a range of regional security threats.

Secretary Austin told Minister Gallant that the Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore (JLOTS) temporary pier will soon cease operations. The Secretary stressed the importance of increasing the flow of humanitarian assistance through all land crossings and supporting aid deliveries to Ashdod Port in Israel for onward distribution in Gaza.

Secretary Austin and Minister Gallant reaffirmed the shared desire of ensuring the enduring defeat of Hamas and securing the safe release of all the hostages held captive by Hamas, including American citizens.