From the Liveblog of
Friday, August 9, 2024
Gallant speaks with US counterpart Austin for fourth time this week
Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian is The Times of Israel's military correspondent
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant spoke overnight with his American counterpart, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, in the fourth such call in the past week.
“Gallant briefed the secretary on the IDF’s operational readiness to defend Israel against Iran and its proxies in the region,” his office says.
According to the readout issued by the Defense Ministry, the pair “discussed the interoperability of US and Israeli defense capabilities following the posture change and deployment of US forces and assets to the region.”
The ministry says Gallant “expressed his appreciation to the secretary for US security assistance and the provision of critical munition to Israel.”
Gallant also “raised the importance of swiftly achieving an agreement that will ensure the return of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza,” the readout adds.
