Gallant briefed US counterpart on IDF takeover of Philadelphi Corridor, offices say

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant briefed US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin during a call last night on the IDF’s successful operation to take over the Philadelphi Corridor along the Gaza-Egypt border, their offices say.

The Pentagon says Austin stressed the “need to sustain increased deliveries of humanitarian assistance” and reopen the Rafah Crossing, which Egypt has refused to open since Israel took over the Gaza side earlier this month.

“Our humanitarian partners working in Gaza tell us that conditions are worse now than ever before. Israeli military operations and closed crossings are making it extremely difficult to distribute aid,” US Agency for International Development chief Samantha Power wrote on X last night.

“The parties also discussed force build-up efforts in light of the ongoing visit to Washington by Defense Ministry Director General Maj. Gen. (Res.) Eyal Zamir on behalf of Israel’s defense establishment,” the Israeli readout says.