Overnight, Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant held a call with U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin.
Minister Gallant provided an assessment of the situation in the southern arena, focusing on IDF efforts to locate and target senior Hamas leadership. He highlighted a precise operation targeting Hamas military leader Mohammed Deif, described as the “Osama bin Laden of Gaza.”
Minister Gallant emphasized that IDF operations in Gaza have created the conditions necessary for an agreement to secure the return of hostages, which he identified as the highest moral imperative at this time.
The parties also discussed the humanitarian situation in Gaza, with Minister Gallant informing the Secretary about his recent order to establish a temporary field hospital near the Gaza border to treat ill children.
Additionally, they discussed the ongoing threat from Hezbollah along the northern border, with Minister Gallant reiterating Israel’s commitment to ensuring the safe return of its northern communities, whether through agreement or other means.
Finally, the conversation covered topics raised by the strategic consultative group meeting in the United States, aimed at strengthening joint defense cooperation in the face of Iranian aggression.–News Desk