WASHINGTON: US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin phoned Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on Thursday and discussed the US steps in the Middle East to defend Israel and a Gaza ceasefire, Austin said on social media platform X.

鈥淭he 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,鈥� Austin posted.

He added: 鈥淚 also stressed the importance of concluding a ceasefire deal in Gaza that releases the hostages.鈥�