Pentagon Press Secretary Major General Pat Ryder issued the following statement:

U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant today.

US Defense Secretary Austin affirmed the United States’ commitment to take all possible steps to defend Israel and noted the strengthening of US military posture and capabilities throughout the Middle East in light of escalating regional tensions. In furtherance of this commitment, US Defense Secretary Austin ordered the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group, equipped with F-35C fighters, to accelerate its transition to the Central Command area of ​​responsibility, adding to the capabilities already provided by the USS Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group.

Additionally, the Secretary ordered the guided-missile submarine USS Georgia (SSGN 729) to the Central Command area.

Secretary Austin and Secretary Gallant also discussed Israeli operations in Gaza and the importance of mitigating harm to civilians, progress toward securing a ceasefire and the release of hostages held in Gaza, and our efforts to deter aggression by Iran, Lebanese Hezbollah, and other Iranian-backed groups across the region.