US, Israel pledge close coordination on Iran, regional threats

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz held overnight talks with US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, focusing on the security situation surrounding Iran, ongoing regional military operations, and bilateral defence coordination, Katz confirmed in a statement.

During the conversation, Hegseth briefed his Israeli counterpart on US military operations in Iran, while the two officials agreed to maintain close cooperation and coordination in response to any future developments, The Jerusalem Post reports.

Katz, in turn, updated Hegseth on Israel's military operations against what he described as terrorist groups in Syria, the Gaza Strip, and Lebanon.

The Israeli defence minister also reiterated Jerusalem's determination to maintain a military presence in designated security zones across the three fronts, arguing that the deployments are essential to safeguarding Israel's borders and nearby communities from "threats posed by jihadist forces."

Referring to the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel, Katz said the experience had reinforced the country's security doctrine.

“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.

By Vafa Guliyeva