From the Liveblog of
Thursday, November 7, 2024
In final call, Pentagon chief thanks Gallant for being a ‘trusted partner and friend’
Jacob Magid is The Times of Israel's US bureau chief
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin thanked Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for being a “trusted partner and friend,” according to a Pentagon readout from what was the final call between the counterparts following the latter’s ouster by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Austin hailed Gallant’s “expertise, professionalism and seasoned judgment in addressing pressing security challenges” and expressed his hope that he’ll have the same relationship with the new defense minister, the Pentagon says, without naming Israel Katz.
The Biden administration was not happy about Netanyahu’s decision to fire Gallant, with one US official suggesting to The Times of Israel that the move was motivated by narrow political interests, rather than the security of the State of Israel.
Netanyahu claimed disagreements with Gallant on key issues had become insurmountable, but critics have argued the move is largely motivated by Netanyahu’s desire to pass legislation granting blanket exemptions for Haredi draft dodgers. Gallant opposed the bill, which Netanyahu’s ultra-Orthodox coalition partners have warned is critical for the continued longevity of the government.
Austin reiterated the US commitment to Israel’s security, adding that Washington has further bolstered its posture in the region to defend the Jewish state from Iran and its proxies, the Pentagon readout says.
The US defense chief also reiterated the US commitment to ceasefires in Lebanon and Gaza.
