Pentagon chief speaks with new Israeli defense minister
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin discussed Gaza and Lebanon on Friday in his first telephone conversation with his new Israeli counterpart, Israel Katz, the Pentagon announced.
The latter was sworn in on the night of Thursday to Friday following the surprise dismissal of his predecessor, Yoav Gallant, by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, following differences over the conduct of the war in Gaza.
During the call, Lloyd Austin congratulated his Israeli counterpart on his recent appointment, Pentagon spokesman Pat Ryder said in a statement.
He also told him that Washington was committed to an agreement that would allow the return home of Lebanese and Israelis displaced by more than a year of violence on the border between the two countries, as well as the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. the spokesperson added.
The Pentagon chief also mentioned “the need to improve the terrible humanitarian conditions in Gaza”.
Lloyd Austin and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken this month called on Israel to allow more humanitarian aid into the war-torn Palestinian territory.
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