Live Update 
From the Liveblog of
Friday, November 8, 2024
From the Liveblog of
Friday, November 8, 2024
In first call with Austin, Katz thanks US for wartime support, invites him to Israel
Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian is The Times of Israel's military correspondent
For the first time since entering the role, Defense Minister Israel Katz spoke with his American counterpart, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin a short while ago, his office says.
Katz thanked Austin for “the US’s support of Israel from the first day of the war, for the commitment to return all the hostages, and to preserve the strategic ties between the countries in the face of threats from Iran and its proxies,” according to a readout from his office.
The minister thanked Austin for “condemning the difficult events in Amsterdam and for his offer to help if necessary.”
Katz also invited Austin to visit Israel, the ministry adds.
