US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth speaks with Israeli defense minister, backing Netanyahu government’s call to eliminate Hamas rule in Gaza, prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
By World Israel News Staff
The Trump administration’s defense chief spoke by phone with his Israel counterpart Monday night, discussing regional threats, including Iran’s nuclear program, the future of the Gaza Strip, and the U.S.-Israel alliance.
In a statement released overnight, Pentagon Press Secretary John Ullyot said that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz (Likud) spoke about bilateral interests, regional developments and opportunities, and security assistance priorities during their call.
“The Secretary reaffirmed that the United States remains 100% committed to Israel’s security and emphasized the unbreakable bond that exists between the United States and Israel,” Ullyot said.
“Both leaders agreed that Iran remains a threat to regional security and agreed to work together on this challenge.”
Hours later, Katz tweeted a summary of their conversation, claiming that Hegseth endorsed Israel’s goal of “eliminating” Hamas rule in the Gaza Strip and the need to return all of the 59 remaining Israeli hostages in Gaza.
“Great conversation with SecDef Pete Hegseth. I thanked him for the Donald Trump administration’s support in expediting military aid to Israel and its unwavering commitment to Israel’s security,” Katz tweeted.
“We agreed: All hostages must be brought home, and Hamas rule in Gaza must be eliminated. Iran remains the greatest threat to regional security – we will work together to prevent it from obtaining nuclear weapons.”
During their call, Hegseth also gave his backing for the IDF’s ongoing counter-terror operation in Samaria and the establishment of Israeli buffer zones inside southern Lebanon and the Syrian Golan Heights.
“The defense minister briefed the defense secretary about IDF operations in Judea and Samaria against terror in refugee camps, and emphasized the importance of security zones in Lebanon and Syria, and thanked him for the backing,” the Defense Ministry said on Monday.