Katz confirms Iran talks with US defense chief, vows to protect Israel

Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed overnight discussions with US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, focusing on US military operations in Iran and ongoing cooperation between the two nations. The conversation occurred Thursday, according to a statement from Katz.

Hegseth provided Katz with an update on US military activities in Iran. The two leaders committed to sustained collaboration in light of any potential shifts in the regional security landscape. Katz, in turn, informed Hegseth about Israel's ongoing operations targeting terrorist groups in Syria, Gaza, and Lebanon.

Katz underscored Israel's strategic imperative to maintain security zones in Syria, Gaza, and Lebanon. He cited the events of October 7 as a stark reminder of the need for these zones to defend Israel's borders and nearby communities from jihadist forces. "We have never asked the US to act in our place along our borders," Katz stated. "We are committed to protecting the residents of Israel from every threat, and that is what we intend to do."

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We have never asked the US to act in our place along our borders. We are committed to protecting the residents of Israel from every threat, and that is what we intend to do.