Defense Minister Yoav Galant spoke Wednesday evening with U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin.
Galant told Austin that "Israel is determined to defend itself and prevent harm to its citizens at all costs" This was against the background of Operation Shield and Arrow against Islamic Jihad in the Gaza Strip. "We have dealt the jihad in Gaza the greatest blow in its history," Galant said. He also stressed Iran's involvement in supporting and financing Islamic Jihad terrorist activities. In addition, Galant thanked Austin for the steadfastness of the United States alongside Israel in the fight against terrorism.