Defense Minister Yisroel Katz had a conversation this evening with US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin. Minister Katz conveyed to Secretary Austin that following the October 7 attack, Israel will not accept a situation where its citizens face danger, and, for security reasons, he and the Prime Minister have directed the IDF to take control of points in the Syrian buffer zone.
The Minister also discussed with Secretary Austin the recent military actions by the IDF in Syria, explaining that these operations were necessary due to concerns that the strategic weapons of the crumbling Assad regime might be used against Israel in the future.
Furthermore, Minister Katz and Secretary Austin touched upon the ongoing enforcement of the ceasefire conditions in Lebanon, with Katz reaffirming that Israel’s strict zero-tolerance stance toward any violations will persist.
Both Minister Katz and Secretary Austin acknowledged the significant threat posed by Iran and its weapon transfers. They agreed on the importance of collaborating to prevent weapons from Iran reaching Lebanon through Syria.
Minister Katz also provided an update to Secretary Austin on the status of negotiations aimed at securing the release of the 100 hostages still being held in Gaza. He shared that there is now a potential opportunity for a new agreement that would facilitate the return of all hostages, including those with American citizenship.
{Matzav.com}