Defense Minister Yoav Gallant briefed U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin ahead of the IDF's move to begin evacuation of civilians from Rafah, the Defense Ministry said on Monday. The two men spoke on the phone late on Sunday night. In the call, the ministry added, Gallant told Austin that Israel was left with no choice after the failure of the hostage release negotiations, but to launch its offensive on the southern most city in the Strip.
(Yoav Zitun)