WASHINGTON, Aug 8 (Reuters) - U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin phoned Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on Thursday and discussed the U.S. steps in the Middle East to defend Israel and a Gaza ceasefire, Austin said on social media platform X.
"The U.S. F-22 Raptors that arrived in the region today represent one of many efforts to deter aggression, defend Israel and protect U.S. forces in the region," Austin posted.
He added: "I also stressed the importance of concluding a ceasefire deal in Gaza that releases the hostages." (Reporting by Kanishka Singh and Costas Pitas; Editing by Sandra Maler)
