Yoav Gallant and Lloyd Austin Discuss Israel's Security at Pentagon

Today, Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant was hosted by U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin at the Pentagon, where they addressed the press at the start of their bilateral meeting. In his remarks, Gallant emphasized the strength of the Israel-U.S. alliance and the shared commitment to regional security.

Minister Gallant began by expressing gratitude to Secretary Austin for his unwavering support, especially during critical times. He recalled Austin's visit to Israel shortly after Hamas's brutal attack on October 7th, highlighting the solidarity shown by the U.S. from day one. Gallant acknowledged the vital role of the U.S. administration in supporting Israel against threats from Iran and its proxies.

Gallant stressed the importance of the current juncture, describing it as a crossroads that will impact the entire Middle East. He outlined the key goals of ensuring Israel's security and showcasing the powerful ties between the two nations. He called for the return of 120 hostages held by Hamas and the dismantling of the terrorist regime in Gaza.

Addressing the situation in northern Israel, Gallant emphasized the need for establishing security and altering the reality on the ground to ensure the safety of Israeli communities. He underlined the importance of U.S.-Israel cooperation in preparing for all possible scenarios.

Gallant identified Iran as the greatest threat to global security, urging the need to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. He highlighted the longstanding commitment of American administrations to this goal and the urgency of action.

In concluding his remarks, Gallant emphasized the extraordinary ties between Israel and the U.S., the importance of projecting power together, and standing united against various forms of attacks. He expressed confidence that their discussions would further solidify the strategic partnership between the two nations.

The meeting at the Pentagon signifies the deep and enduring alliance between Israel and the United States, focusing on mutual goals and regional stability.