Defense Minister Yoav Gallant speaks to his American counterpart, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, telling him that “the unprecedented security cooperation between Israel and the United States against Iran and its proxies, is critical to regional security and stability,” Paralel.Az reports citing Times of Israel.

According to a readout issued by the Defense Ministry, Gallant provided Austin with a “situation assessment in light of recent security developments, and discussed the important defense cooperation between Israel and the United States in the face of threats posed by Iran and its proxies.”

They also discussed the war in Gaza and “the critical timing as it relates to the hostage issue, and his commitment to ensuring the return of hostages,” according to Gallant’s office.