Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III held a critical conversation with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant to voice serious concerns regarding the death of American citizen Aysenur Eygi during a protest in the West Bank. Austin stressed the need for Israel to review the IDF’s rules of engagement in the area, emphasizing that Eygi’s death was both unprovoked and unjustified.
In addition to addressing Eygi’s tragic death, Secretary Austin extended his condolences to Gallant for the recent killing of three Israeli civilians by a gunman at the Allenby Bridge Crossing. Austin reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to securing a ceasefire and a hostage deal in Gaza, advocating for the release of all hostages and the de-escalation of hostilities in the region.–News Desk