Brussels, 16 July (LaPresse) – Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz spoke overnight with US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth. According to the Jerusalem Post, Katz briefed Hegseth on Israeli operations in Syria, Gaza and Lebanon. The minister emphasised Israel’s determination to remain in the security zones in Syria, Gaza and Lebanon to protect Israel’s borders and neighbouring communities from “threats posed by jihadist forces”, citing this as a key lesson from the events of 7 October. “We have never asked the United States to act in our stead along our borders. We are committed to protecting the residents of Israel from any threat, and that is what we intend to do,” he said. Hegseth then briefed Katz on US military operations in Iran, and the two agreed to continue cooperation between the two countries in response to any possible developments.
Middle East: Katz speaks to Hegseth; we will remain in security zones in Syria, Gaza and Lebanon
Brussels, 16 July (LaPresse) – Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz spoke overnight with US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth. According to the Jerusalem Post, Katz briefed Hegseth on Israeli operations in Syria, Gaza and Lebanon. The minister emphasised Israel’s determination to remain in the security zones in Syria, Gaza and Lebanon to protect Israel’s borders and neighbouring communities from “threats posed by jihadist forces”, citing this as a key lesson from the events of 7 October. “We have never asked the United States to act in our stead along our borders. We are committed to protecting the residents of Israel from any threat, and that is what we intend to do,” he said. Hegseth then briefed Katz on US military operations in Iran, and the two agreed to continue cooperation between the two countries in response to any possible developments.
