Israeli Defense Minister Gallant said in Tel Aviv on 18 August that the Israeli army's operations in the Gaza Strip will gradually transition to the next stage. US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin visited Israel on the same day and met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Gallant and other officials to discuss the situation in the Gaza Strip.
On December 18, Israeli Defense Minister Gallant spoke at a joint press conference in Tel Aviv. Xinhua/AP
U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin speaks at a joint press conference in Tel Aviv, Israel, on December 18. Xinhua/AP
U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin (left) and Israeli Defense Secretary Gallant attend a joint press conference in Tel Aviv, Israel, on December 18. Xinhua/Reuters