During his inaugural visit to Washington as Israel’s Defense Minister, Yoav Gallant met with U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III at the Pentagon. Their meeting, marking a continuation of close ties following the October 7 Hamas attack, emphasized the solid U.S. support for Israel’s security. The discussions underscored a unified stance on defeating Hamas, with a keen focus on civilian safety in potential Rafah operations, addressing Gaza’s humanitarian crisis, and regional security concerns.
Secretary Austin advocated for enhanced humanitarian access and solutions to distribution challenges within Gaza, highlighting a U.S.-led initiative to establish a maritime corridor for vital aid. The leaders committed to ensuring the safety and support of civilians, particularly in Rafah, calling for a strategic and humane approach to military operations.
Furthermore, Austin and Gallant stressed the importance of releasing hostages held by Hamas and sought a diplomatic resolution to the Israel-Lebanon border tensions. Austin reaffirmed the U.S. dedication to preventing any escalation of the conflict, maintaining regional stability.–Web Desk