US says Austin spoke with Gallant, stressed support for Israel amid Iranian and Hezbollah threats

The Pentagon says US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke with his Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant “to review regional security developments and reiterate unwavering US support for Israel in the face of threats from Iran, Lebanese Hezbollah, and Iran’s other regional partners.”

“The secretary emphasized the US commitment to deterring regional adversaries and efforts to deescalate tensions across the region,” adds the readout on the call, which was held after the mass explosion of Hezbollah mobile devices in Lebanon for the second time in as many days.

The statement says Austin also “reaffirmed the priority of achieving a Gaza ceasefire deal that will bring home hostages held by Hamas, and an enduring diplomatic resolution to the conflict on the Israel-Lebanon border that will allow civilians on both sides to return to their homes.”