Gallant tells Austin Israel will not tolerate attacks from Lebanon

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant says his conversation with US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin focused on updating him on the recent Israeli operation to free two of the hostages held by Hamas in Gaza and on the situation on the northern border.

“Spoke with my friend @SecDef Austin about IDF activities, including the successful operation conducted to release two hostages held in Gaza. Emphasized our commitment to bringing the hostages home, and the importance of military pressure and additional efforts to this end,” Gallant posts on X.

“Also discussed ongoing threats and attacks conducted by Hezbollah. The State of Israel will not tolerate attacks on its citizens. We will ensure security and the safe return of our communities to the north, and are prepared to do so via diplomatic or military means,” he says.

An earlier Pentagon readout of the conversation says Austin stressed that the safety of civilians needs to be ensured before Israel can launch an operation in Rafah.

Spoke with my friend @SecDef Austin about IDF activities, including the successful operation conducted to release two hostages held in Gaza. Emphasized our commitment to bringing the hostages home, and the importance of military pressure and additional efforts to this end.

— יואב גלנט – Yoav Gallant (@yoavgallant) February 15, 2024