Saturday, Aug. 24, 9:49 pm MDT
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant Spoke Overnight with US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin.
Israel Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant has recently completed a call with US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin.
Gallant: “We have conducted precise strikes in Lebanon in order to thwart an imminent threat against the citizens of Israel. We are closely following developments in Beirut, and we are determined to use all the means at our disposal in order to defend our citizens.”
Gallant briefed Austin on IDF activities conducted over the past hour in Lebanon, in order to thwart an imminent threat against the State of Israel.
Gallant and Austin discussed the importance of avoiding regional escalation. Gallant emphasized that Israel’s defense establishment is determined to defend the citizens of Israel and will use all the means at its disposal to remove imminent threats.
The defense establishment is following developments in Beirut and is prepared to deploy defensive and offensive means.
Gallant expressed his appreciation to Secretary Austin for standing with Israel and for the ongoing cooperation, which contributes to the security of the State of Israel and to regional stability.
Gallant declared a ‘special situation on the home front’ across the country. The declaration on the state of emergency enables the IDF to issue instructions to the citizens of Israel, including limiting gatherings and closing sites where it may be relevant.
Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will convene the Security Cabinet at 07:00 (Israel time, Sunday, Aug. 25).
