U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on Thursday to discuss Israel’s military campaign in Gaza and preparations for the stabilization phase that will follow major combat operations.
Quick Read
- U.S.-Israel Defense Discussions: U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant held a conversation focusing on Israel’s military operations in Gaza. Austin emphasized the importance of neutralizing Hamas’ threat to Israel, protecting civilians in Gaza, and expediting humanitarian aid.
- Regional Security Concerns: Austin and Gallant also discussed various regional threats, including Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, and assaults by Iranian-backed militias on American forces in Iraq and Syria.
- Death of American-Canadian-Israeli Hostage: Kibbutz Nir Oz announced the death of Judith Weinstein, an American-Canadian-Israeli woman initially believed to be held hostage in Gaza. Her husband, Gad Haggai, was also declared dead recently. The couple was attacked by Hamas militants during the Oct. 7 incursion into Israel.
- U.S. President’s Statement: President Joe Biden expressed sorrow over Weinstein’s death and reaffirmed the commitment to bring back remaining hostages from Gaza.
- Netanyahu’s Assurance to Families: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with families of missing hostages, assuring them of ongoing efforts to secure their return. He noted that efforts are being made behind the scenes, although he couldn’t divulge details.
The Associated Press has the story:
US and Israel Defense Chiefs speak about next steps in military campaign
Newslooks- WASHINGTON (AP)
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on Thursday to discuss Israel’s military campaign in Gaza and preparations for the stabilization phase that will follow major combat operations.
Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, Pentagon press secretary, said Austin reiterated U.S. resolve to ensure Hamas can no longer threaten Israel’s security and he also underscored “the importance of protecting Gaza’s civilians and accelerating humanitarian assistance.”
Ryder said Austin and Gallant also discussed other threats to regional security, including Hezbollah’s activities in southern Lebanon, Houthi attacks against ships in the Red Sea, and Iranian-backed militia attacks against American forces in Iraq and Syria.
KIBBUTZ ANNOUNCES DEATH OF AMERICAN-CANADIAN-ISRAELI HOSTAGE
TEL AVIV, Israel — A hard-hit Israeli kibbutz has announced the death of an American-Canadian-Israeli woman who had been thought to be held hostage in Gaza.
The death of Judith Weinstein was announced days after her husband, Gad Haggai, was also declared dead. Weinstein, 70, and Haggai, 73, were taking an early morning walk in Kibbutz Nir Oz on the morning of Oct. 7 when Hamas militants burst across the border into Israel, killing about 1,200 people and kidnapping 240 others.
Weinstein and her husband had been thought to be among the hostages still in captivity in Gaza. But six days ago, the kibbutz announced that Haggai was killed on Oct. 7 and his body was taken to Gaza.
On Thursday, the kibbutz said it had learned that Weinstein had also been killed on Oct. 7 and her body was also being held in Gaza.
It was not immediately clear how Israeli authorities determined her death. The couple are survived by four children.
“ Judy dedicated her life to serving others, spending years teaching English and using her passions for poetry, puppeteering, and mindfulness to empower children of all backgrounds,” the family said in a statement. She will be remembered for her compassion, her peaceful nature, and the creative life she built with her husband.”
U.S. President Joe Biden mourned Weinstein in a statement released Thursday and pledged to keep working to bring the remaining hostages home.
“They have been living through hell for weeks,” Biden said. “No family should have to endure such an ordeal.”
According to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office, at least 23 of the approximately 129 hostages believed to be held in Gaza have either died or been killed in captivity.
Nir Oz was one of the hardest-hit Israeli communities on Oct. 7, with roughly one quarter of its residents killed or kidnapped.
The families of missing hostages have drawn widespread support in Israel as they press the government to reach a new cease-fire deal to bring home their loved-ones.
Netanyahu met Thursday in Tel Aviv with some of the families, where he told them there were ongoing behind-the-scene efforts to bring them home, according to a statement from his office.
“I can’t elaborate on the details, we are working to return everyone,” he said.
