Israeli defense minister speaks to US counterpart

U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, left, and Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant hold a joint press conference at Israel's Ministry of Defense in Tel Aviv, Israel, on December 18. Violeta Santos Moura/Reuters

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant held a call with US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin on Thursday evening.

It comes after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared to reject the idea of creating a Palestinian state.

“Minister Gallant emphasized the determination of the State of Israel and the defense establishment within it, to continue operating until the goals of the war are achieved, namely - the destruction of Hamas’ military and governing capabilities and the return of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza,” Gallant’s office said of the call.

“The Minister briefed the Secretary on operational developments in the war, including achievements in the ongoing military efforts to dismantle terror infrastructure and eliminate Hamas terrorists across the strip.”

The pair also discussed the rise in tensions on the border with Lebanon. 

American officials said Thursday they would not allow Netanyahu’s apparent rejection of an eventual Palestinian state to stop them from pressing the matter with their Israeli counterparts.