US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin reaffirmed Washington’s support for Israel’s defence in a phone call Thursday with Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant amid calls for a ceasefire in Gaza, Anadolu reports.

Austin wrote on X that he called Gallant “to brief him on US force posture adjustments and reinforce my ironclad support for Israel’s defence”.

“The US F-22 Raptors that arrived in the region today represent one of many efforts to deter aggression, defend Israel and protect US forces in the region,” he said.

“I also stressed the importance of concluding a ceasefire deal in Gaza that releases the hostages,” he added.