Gallant briefs Austin on IDF withdrawal from portions of Gaza and future war planning

Jacob Magid is The Times of Israel's US bureau chief

File: US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin (L) and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant give a joint press conference in Tel Aviv on December 18, 2023. (Alberto Pizzoli/AFP)
File: US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin (L) and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant give a joint press conference in Tel Aviv on December 18, 2023. (Alberto Pizzoli/AFP)

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stressed “the urgent need to dramatically increase humanitarian assistance delivery to Gaza, including by implementing steps approved by the Israeli war cabinet in a phone call earlier today with Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, the Pentagon says.

The pair also discussed the IDF probe into its deadly strike on the World Central Kitchen convoy last week and “the need for procedural changes to ensure such incidents never happen again,” the US readout says.

“Gallant provided details about the IDF’s withdrawal from portions of Gaza and the future of Israel’s campaign against Hamas,” it adds.

“Austin voiced his commitment to supporting the unconditional return of all hostages and expressed hope that ongoing negotiations would produce a pause in hostilities.”

He “also affirmed unwavering US support for Israel’s defense in light of threats posed by Iran and its proxy network,” the readout adds.

Most Popular
If you’d like to comment, join
The Times of Israel Community.
Join The Times of Israel Community
Commenting is available for paying members of The Times of Israel Community only. Please join our Community to comment and enjoy other Community benefits.
Please use the following structure: example@domain.com
Confirm Mail
Thank you! Now check your email
You are now a member of The Times of Israel Community! We sent you an email with a login link to . Once you're set up, you can start enjoying Community benefits and commenting.