Defense Minister Katz speaks with new American counterpart Pete Hegseth

Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian is The Times of Israel's military correspondent

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth speaks with the media, as he arrives on his first official day at the Pentagon in Washington, DC, on January 27, 2025. (SAUL LOEB / AFP)
US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth speaks with the media, as he arrives on his first official day at the Pentagon in Washington, DC, on January 27, 2025. (SAUL LOEB / AFP)

Defense Minister Israel Katz spoke for the first time with his new American counterpart, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, his office says.

According to a readout issued by Katz’s office, the minister congratulated Hegseth upon entering the role, and “thanked him for the US’s commitment and efforts to work for the release of all the hostages.”

Katz also thanks Hegseth for releasing shipments of arms that were held up by the previous administration.

“The two discussed the strengthening of security cooperation between the countries and advancing common interests, in light of Israel’s achievements in the campaign against Iran and its proxies,” the readout says.

Katz’s office adds that the pair decided to maintain direct contact and meet soon.

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