Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz and United States Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth discussed strengthening security cooperation between the two countries on Wednesday "in light of Israel's achievements in the campaign against Iran and its proxies."

The Israeli defense minister's office released a statement following the first-ever conversation between the two defense chiefs, revealing that they will maintain direct contact and could meet in person soon. According to the office, Katz thanked Hegseth for Washington's commitment to see all hostages released from the Gaza Strip.

Additionally, Katz expressed gratitude to the new US defense secretary for facilitating the release of arms shipments that had been held up by the Biden administration.