Dialogue Between U.S. and Israeli Defense Ministers on Protecting Civilians in Rafah

Lloyd Austin, the U.S. Secretary of Defense, emphasized the need to ensure the protection of civilians and the uninterrupted transfer of aid before any potential Israeli military operations in Rafah during a phone call with his Israeli counterpart. A Pentagon spokesperson stated on Thursday, May 17, that Austin discussed the necessity of increasing humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians in Gaza, including through the Kerem Shalom and Rafah crossings. According to the report, Austin also negotiated with Galant regarding the opening of a maritime corridor for the transfer of humanitarian aid to Gaza. The statement specified: 'Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin emphasized the need to ensure the protection of civilians while simultaneously facilitating the uninterrupted transfer of aid before any potential Israeli military operations in Rafah.' The U.S. Secretary of Defense also reiterated the 'ironclad commitment of the United States to Israel's security' and the defeat of the extremist group Hamas. Meanwhile, Galant previously announced that Israel would send more soldiers to southern Gaza to strengthen its military operations against Hamas. The U.S. government, Israel's closest ally, has publicly opposed military operations in Rafah in recent weeks. The U.S. is trying to dissuade Israel from a potential full-scale assault on the city of Rafah. President Joe Biden had previously warned against a large-scale attack on Rafah.