In an overnight conversation on Monday, October 14, 2024, Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant spoke with U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, briefing him on the recent UAV attack conducted by Hezbollah, which resulted in the deaths of four Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers and multiple injuries. Gallant emphasized the severity of the attack and Israel’s commitment to a forceful response against the Hezbollah terrorist organization.
Minister Gallant highlighted the continued threat Hezbollah poses to Israel, particularly its attack infrastructure, which he noted is a priority for Israeli defense operations. Gallant reaffirmed the importance of dismantling these networks to protect Israeli citizens and maintain security across the region.
During the call, Minister Gallant also underlined Israel’s efforts to maintain coordination with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) to minimize harm to both UNIFIL troops and civilians in the conflict zone. Ensuring the safety of all parties, particularly during active military operations, remains a key focus for the IDF.
Gallant expressed gratitude for the unwavering support of the United States, particularly the recent decision to deploy a U.S. Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery to Israel. The deployment, expected to occur in the coming days, underscores the United States’ strong commitment to Israel’s security in the face of aerial threats from Iran and its proxies, such as Hezbollah.
The conversation also addressed Israel’s ongoing efforts in Gaza, where Minister Gallant emphasized the importance of maintaining pressure to secure the release of 101 hostages currently held by Hamas. Gallant noted that this issue is not only a top priority for Israel but also a pressing international humanitarian concern, and he called for continued international support to ensure the hostages’ safe return.
This latest high-level discussion between Israel and the United States reflects the deep strategic partnership between the two nations, as they continue to collaborate on security measures in response to escalating regional threats.–News Desk