According to a readout of the talks by the Pentagon, ‘’Secretary Austin and Minister Gallant discussed important developments in the U.S.-Israeli bilateral defense partnership, U.S. security assistance for Israel and efforts to increase partnership and interoperability. Both leaders agreed to continue working together to address the wide range of threats posed by Iran, including its nuclear program, destabilizing regional activities, and proliferation of uncrewed aerial systems and other lethal assistance throughout the Middle East and to Russia.’’

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant met Thursday with U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin in Brussels to discuss Iran and Russia.

According to a U.S. Dfense Department readout of the talks, the two men met  “to discuss opportunities to expand military cooperation to counter regional threats.’’

The readout continues: ‘’Secretary Austin and Minister Gallant discussed important developments in the U.S.-Israeli bilateral defense partnership, U.S. security assistance for Israel and efforts to increase partnership and interoperability. Both leaders agreed to continue working together to address the wide range of threats posed by Iran, including its nuclear program, destabilizing regional activities, and proliferation of uncrewed aerial systems and other lethal assistance throughout the Middle East and to Russia.’’

Austin lauded ‘’Israel’s continued integration into the U.S. Central Command Area of Responsibility, and he expressed the Department’s intent to strengthen the regional security architecture and to further multilateral cooperation with regional partners.’’

The two ministers also discussed Russia’s aggression in Ukraine. ‘’Secretary Austin noted that increased Iranian-Russian military cooperation is resulting in profoundly negative consequences for Ukraine, as well as the Middle East region, which are being attacked with Iranian-made uncrewed aerial systems,’’ according to the readout.

Austin also expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation in the West Bank. He encouraged further cooperation, including via the United States Security Coordinator, to deescalate conflict and reduce tensions.

‘’The Secretary emphasized U.S. support for a two-state solution and ways to advance equal measures of freedom, justice, dignity, and prosperity for Israelis and Palestinians,’’ the Pentagon said.
Prior to travelling to Brussels, Minister Gallant, declared : “I am about to take off to Brussels to meet my friend and counterpart, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin. During the meeting we will discuss our shared commitment to ensuring that Iran will never gain military nuclear capabilities.”

“In anticipation of this discussion, I met with Prime Minister (Netanyahu) and senior defense officials, and reviewed the measures required to ensure Israel’s qualitative edge in the Middle East region,” he added.

During his visit, Gallant was also duet to meet Friday with European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement, Olivér Várhelyi and with leaders of the Belgian Jewish community and Jewish organizations, at the Great Synagogue of Brussels. A call for a demonstration in front of the Great Synagogue ”to defend the Israeli democracy” was posted on social media.

After Brussels, Gallant will travel to Paris where he will participate in the “Le Bourget” Airshow. Within the framework of the exhibition, the Minister will meet his counterparts from France, Italy, Hungary, and Romania. Minister Gallant will also tour the Israeli national pavilion and deliver remarks during the inauguration ceremony led by the International Defense Cooperation Directorate (SIBAT) in the Israel Ministry of Defense.