Readout of Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Ms. Sasha Baker and Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment Dr. William A. LaPlante's Meeting With[...]

Department of Defense Spokesman Lt. Col. David Herndon provided the following readout:

Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Ms. Sasha Baker and Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition & Sustainment Dr. William A. LaPlante met with Israeli Ministry of Defense Director General Eyal Zamir at the Pentagon, Jan. 24.

The leaders discussed an array of strategic priorities at the core of the U.S.-Israel defense relationship and reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to Israel's security.

A/USDP Baker and DG Zamir reviewed the situation in Gaza, to include Israel's transition to targeted operations while maintaining military pressure on Hamas and ensuring increased humanitarian assistance to support civilian populations. A/USDP Baker underscored the need to protect civilians during military operations in Gaza.

A/USDP Baker and DG Zamir also exchanged views on growing regional tensions to include the destabilizing activities of Lebanese Hizballah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen. The leaders agreed on the importance of preventing regional escalation.