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. "I also stressed the importance of concluding a ceasefire deal in Gaza that releases the hostages."