The US Secretary of Defense, Lloyd J. Austin III, called the Israeli Minister of Defense, Yoav Gallant, to discuss Gaza and preparations for the stabilization phase that will follow major combat operations, according to a readout provided by Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, reported from the US Department of Defense.

The Secretary reiterated the US resolve to ensure Hamas can no longer threaten Israel's security and underscored the importance of protecting Gaza's civilians and accelerating humanitarian assistance.

Secretary Austin and Minister Gallant also discussed threats to regional security, including Hizballah's destabilizing activities in southern Lebanon, Iran-aligned militia attacks against US forces in Iraq and Syria, and Houthi assaults against international commerce in the Red Sea.

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