US, Israeli defense chiefs discuss regional developments

US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin spoke with Israeli Minister of Defense Israel Katz today to discuss regional developments and reaffirm the United States' ironclad commitment to Israel's security, Report informs, citing the Defense Secretary's statement on X.

Lloyd Austin emphasized that the ceasefire accepted by Israel and Lebanese Hizballah on November 26 has the potential to create the conditions to restore lasting calm and enable residents on both sides of the Israel-Lebanon border to return safely to their homes.

He reiterated that the United States is consulting closely with its international partners to support the implementation of the ceasefire.

The US defense secretary also told Minister Katz that United States is closely monitoring events in Syria, supports a peaceful and inclusive political transition, and will continue the mission to prevent ISIS from re-establishing a safe haven on Syrian territory. He emphasized the importance of close consultation between the United States and Israel on events in Syria.

Lloyd Austin also underscored the US commitment to securing the release of all hostages in Gaza, including US citizens, and urged the Government of Israel to continue to take steps to improve the dire humanitarian conditions in Gaza.