Live Update 
From the Liveblog of
Friday, August 16, 2024
From the Liveblog of
Friday, August 16, 2024
Gallant, Austin discuss hostage talks, coordination against potential Iran attack
Jacob Magid is The Times of Israel's US bureau chief
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant speaks to US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on April 14, 2024. (Ariel Hermoni/Defense Ministry, File)
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant just got off the phone with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, the former’s office says.
Gallant “raised the importance of ongoing discussions to achieve an agreement for the release of hostages, stressing that an agreement is both a moral and strategic imperative,” the Israeli readout says.
The pair also discussed ongoing coordination against potential attacks on Israel by Iran and its proxies. Gallant thanked the US for the mass deployment of forces to help thwart such an attack.
