Austin Reaffirms ‘Ironclad’ US Commitment to Israel After Gallant’s Dismissal

U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin (L) and Israel's Defense Minister Yoav Gallant give a joint press conference in Tel Aviv, Israel, on Dec. 18, 2023. Alberto Pizzaoli/AFP via Getty Images

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to Israel’s security during a call to the country’s now-former defense minister, Yoav Gallant, two days after his dismissal.

According to a Nov. 7, U.S. Defense Department readout of the call, Austin told Gallant he had been a “trusted partner and friend” as Israel’s defense minister and was “deeply valued” for his “expertise, professionalism, and seasoned judgment.”

Austin said he hoped to share a similar partnership and amicable working relationship with Israel’s next defense minister.

Former foreign minister Israel Katz has taken over as the country’s defense minister after Gallant’s exit.

Gallant was fired on Nov. 5 by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who said a “crisis of faith” was plaguing their working relationship and hindering public management.

Support for Israel

In his call with Gallant, Austin said, “The U.S. commitment to Israel’s security remains ironclad, as does our support for Israel’s right to defend itself against aggression from Iran and its partners and proxies.”

He also told the now-former Israeli minister that the United States has further strengthened its posture in the Middle East to defend U.S. personnel, allies, and partners while also emphasizing the importance of taking immediate steps to address the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

The Pentagon said on Nov. 1 that more bombers, fighter jets, and warships were being deployed to the Middle East to enhance its military posture.

At the same time, Austin said the United States is “committed to de-escalation in the region through securing a hostage release and ceasefire deal in Gaza and a diplomatic resolution in Lebanon,” so civilians can return safely to their homes on both sides of the border.

October Warning Letter

Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken delivered a warning letter to Gallant and Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer on Oct. 13 for Israel to improve humanitarian conditions in the Gaza Strip as the Israeli military continued their operations there.

The letter demanded Israel improve humanitarian conditions in Gaza within 30 days, or there may be implications for U.S. policy under NSM-20 and relevant U.S. law. The deadline is Nov. 13.

According to the letter, humanitarian assistance entering the Gaza Strip had fallen to about 50 percent of its wartime peak.

In May, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Israel Security Assistance Support Act, which prohibits the Biden administration from withholding military assistance or services from Israel under certain circumstances. However, it has yet to pass the Senate.