US, Israeli defense chiefs huddle on Iran, regional developments

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Defense Minister Israel Katz discussed Iran, as regional fighting continues to intensify across the Middle East.

By World Israel News Staff

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz discussed the evolving security situation in the Middle East during a phone call late Wednesday, focusing on Israel’s ongoing military operations and the escalating confrontation between the United States and Iran, according to a statement from Katz’s office.

A summary of the call released by the Israeli Defense Ministry said that Katz briefed Hegseth on Israel’s ongoing military operations against terrorist organizations in Gaza, southern Lebanon, and Syria.

Hegseth, in turn, updated his Israeli counterpart on recent U.S. military operations targeting Iranian infrastructure and military assets.

The two officials also reaffirmed the close strategic partnership between the United States and Israel, emphasizing their shared commitment to regional security and continued defense cooperation.

Katz also used the conversation to reiterate Israel’s position regarding its security presence along its northern borders.

His remarks appeared to address recent media reports suggesting that President Donald Trump has urged Israel to reduce or withdraw its military presence from buffer zones established in southern Lebanon and parts of Syria following recent conflicts. Neither Washington nor Jerusalem has publicly confirmed those reports.

“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.

Israel has repeatedly maintained that its military deployments in those areas are necessary to prevent terrorist organizations from reestablishing positions close to Israeli communities.

The call took place amid escalation between Washington and Tehran. The U.S. has intensified both the pace and scope of its strikes against Iranian military infrastructure, citing attacks on international shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran has responded by launching missiles and drones against U.S. military facilities across the region, including bases in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan, significantly raising fears of a broader regional conflict.

Despite the widening confrontation with Washington, Iran has thus far refrained from launching additional direct attacks against Israel. Tehran last targeted the Jewish state in April 2026, before a temporary ceasefire with the United States was implemented.