Defense Minister Yoav Gallant held a call with U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin on Monday, according to a statement from the Defense Ministry. Gallant briefed the Secretary on the rocket attack conducted by Hezbollah on Saturday, which killed 12 Israeli children in the northern community of Majdal Shams, and injured an additional 30 Israeli civilians. Gallant informed Austin about the use of an Iranian rocket, equipped with 50KG explosives and discussed the evidence revealed by the IDF, indicating Hezbollah’s responsibility for the attack. Gallant noted that the attack on Saturday is a significant escalation to the attacks both before and after October 7, and that Iranian proxy Hezbollah will be held responsible. Gallant also discussed the defense establishment’s determination to restore security to Israel’s northern border and to exacting a heavy price from Hezbollah. They also discussed the importance of achieving a framework that will ensure the return of hostages and emphasized the critical timing in light of operational and strategic conditions, as well as force build-up efforts and the IDF’s qualitative edge in defending itself against terror groups on seven separate fronts.
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