A phone call between Austin and Gallant is expected “in the near future.”
A telephone conversation between US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and his Israeli counterpart, Yoav Gallad, is expected “in the near future”, a Pentagon spokesman said Thursday, as Israel reportedly finalizes planning its retaliation against Iran for the missile attack. which was received on October 1.
“I’m sure there will be again in the near future,” Pentagon spokesman Patrick Ryder told reporters, announcing a phone call between Austin and Gallant. He added that an update will follow when it is done.
Israel’s Security Council convened on Thursday night to plan a “response” to Iran’s recent missile attack on Israel, according to Bloomberg News citing Israeli television. The final decision on the “imminent” – apparently – retaliatory strike on Iran rests with Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defense Minister Galant, the same source said.
Ryder said the US would continue to look for ways to achieve a “ceasefire in Gaza and a de-escalation of tension on the Israel-Lebanese border”. Washington’s ultimate goal remains to prevent a “broader conflict” in the Middle East, he added.
Israel’s defense minister canceled a planned visit to Washington, at the behest of Prime Minister Netanyahu, who wanted to precede his telephone conversation with US President Joe Biden.
The White House statement on the phone call between the two leaders did not mention the content of the conversation regarding Israel’s possible retaliation against Iran, raising speculation of a heated disagreement between Biden and Netanyahu.
Source :Skai
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