Austin calls former Israeli defense minister after Netanyahu dismissal

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin called former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on Thursday, just two days after he was fired by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Austin told Gallant that he was "a trusted partner and friend" and one whose "expertise, professionalism, and seasoned judgment in addressing pressing security challenges was deeply valued," according to a readout of the call from the Pentagon.

"The Secretary expressed his hope and expectation to have that same good partnership and working relationship with Israel’s next Minister of Defense," the readout said.

Austin also said the U.S. remains committed to Israel's security and right to defend itself from Iran and its proxies in the region and that American troops have strengthened their posture in the Middle East.

The two also discussed a cease-fire and hostage release deal in Gaza and a diplomatic resolution to the fighting in Lebanon.

Israel is fighting the Iranian-backed groups Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon in a conflict that shows no signs of slowing down.

Gallant was fired Tuesday, with Netanyahu saying there was a "crisis of faith" between him and his former defense minister that had hindered public management. Netanyahu appointed his former foreign minister, Israel Katz, to the defense minister post.

Gallant claimed that he was fired for three reasons: his willingness to accept a cease-fire and hostage release deal in Gaza; his support for religious students serving in the military; and his calls for a state commission to investigate the failures of the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on Israel, which killed some 1,200 and saw some 250 Israelis taken hostage.

Netanyahu has been accused of prolonging the war in the Middle East for his own political survival rather than face questions about the Oct. 7 attacks. The prime minister says he is committed to both destroying Hamas and freeing the roughly 100 hostages still in Gaza.