Defense Minister Israel Katz spoke overnight with US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, he confirmed in a statement on Thursday.
Hegseth briefed Katz on US military operations in Iran, and the two agreed to continue cooperation between the countries in response to any possible developments.
Katz briefed Hegseth on Israel’s operations against terrorist groups in Syria, Gaza, and Lebanon.
Israel must remain in Syria, Gaza, Lebanon, for self-defense, Katz says
He also emphasized Israel’s determination to remain in security zones in Syria, Gaza, and Lebanon to protect Israel’s borders and nearby communities from "threats posed by jihadist forces," citing this as a central lesson from the events of October 7.
“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,” Katz said.