Gallant, US defense secretary discuss war, efforts to release hostages from Gaza

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant spoke with US Defense Secretary General Lloyd Austin about the ongoing efforts to release the hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, his office says.

Gallant thanked Austin and the US government for their involvement in various efforts to release the hostages, and provided updates about the progress being made to dismantle Hamas and end the terror group’s 16-year rule of the Gaza Strip, his office says in a summary of the conversation.

The two defense officials also discussed the continued skirmishes on Israel’s border with Lebanon, where Hezbollah forces are launching rockets, missiles and drones on a near daily basis.

Gallant thanked Austin for his personal support for Israel’s security and for various actions being taken by the US to stabilize the region, his office adds.