Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on Sunday night briefed his American counterpart on the preliminary conclusions of the IDF’s defensive operations to thwart Iran’s April 14 attack.
Gallant “expressed his deep appreciation to Secretary [of Defense Lloyd Austin] for his leadership, and the unparalleled cooperation and coordination demonstrated by the defense establishments and militaries of both countries, together with international partners,” according to an Israeli readout of the call.
Overnight Saturday, the Islamic Republic launched over 300 drones and missiles at the Jewish state in an unprecedented direct attack.
The IDF said that Israel and its partners, including the United States, intercepted 99% of the threats, calling it a “significant strategic achievement” and noting that none of the 170 drones sent by Tehran penetrated Israeli territory.
During their call Sunday, Gallant highlighted to Austin “the opportunity to establish an international coalition and strategic alliance to counter the threat posed by Iran, which threatens to place nuclear warheads on its missiles.”
The Israeli minister also emphasized that the IDF “remains alert and prepared to face additional threats, including ongoing operations in Gaza, and efforts to release the hostages held by Hamas.”
Finally, Gallant thanked Austin and the entire U.S. administration for “standing boldly” with Israel.
Also Sunday, Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzl Halevi spoke with U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) commander Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla to express “great appreciation for the joint defense effort to thwart and intercept the Iranian attack on Israel.”
The military leader also conveyed to Kurilla that the “close cooperation between the armies throughout the war resulted in the creation of a strong defense coalition that proved itself last night.”
Meanwhile, U.S. President Joe Biden reportedly told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a phone call on Saturday that Washington will not support an Israeli retaliatory attack for Iran’s drone and missile assault on the Jewish state.
“You got a win. Take the win,” Biden told Netanyahu, according to the report, amid fears of a regional war should Jerusalem respond.
