Israeli minister, US Secretary of Defence discuss potential Iranian attack

Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant has held talks with US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin, focusing on Israel's preparedness to defend against potential attacks from Iran and its allies.

The discussions also covered the operational compatibility of the US and Israeli armed forces in the region, Caliber.Az reports citing the Russian media.

The ministers "discussed the operational interoperability of US and Israeli defence capabilities following the recent redeployment of US forces and assets in the region". Gallant informed the Pentagon chief about the "operational readiness of the Israeli army to defend Israel against Iran and its proxies in the region".

During the conversation, the Israeli defence minister "expressed gratitude for the US security assistance" and for "providing Israel with critical ammunition". Additionally, Gallant "raised the issue of the urgent need to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip," with both ministers agreeing on the "immediacy of this matter".

This marks the fifth announcement by the Defence Ministry regarding phone conversations between the two ministers following the death of Hamas Political Bureau Chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, which was reported on the morning of July 31. Previous discussions between Gallant and Austin were reported on July 31, August 2, 5, and 6.