Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Call With Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav GallantStatement From Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder on DOD[...]

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 on September 30 to review security developments and Israeli operations. Secretary Austin reaffirmed U.S. support for Israel's right to defend itself against Iran, Lebanese Hizballah, Hamas, the Houthis, and other Iran-backed terrorist organizations. They agreed on the necessity of dismantling attack infrastructure along the border to ensure that Lebanese Hizballah cannot conduct October 7-style attacks on Israel's northern communities. The Secretary reaffirmed that a diplomatic resolution is required to ensure that civilians can return safely to their homes on both sides of the border. He and Minister Gallant discussed the importance of ultimately pivoting from military operations to a diplomatic pathway to provide security and stability as soon as feasible.

The Secretary made clear that the United States is well postured to defend U.S. personnel, partners, and allies in the face of threats from Iran and Iran-backed terrorist organizations, and determined to prevent any actor from exploiting tensions or expanding the conflict. The Secretary and Minister Gallant discussed the serious consequences for Iran in the event Iran chooses to launch a direct military attack against Israel.