Israel doubles down on buffer zones after talks with Pentagon chief

During an overnight telephone conversation, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz informed US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth that Israel intends to maintain its military presence in security zones beyond its borders in Syria, Lebanon, and Gaza. Katz stated this policy is crucial for preventing future attacks, citing lessons learned from the October 2023 Hamas-led assault. He emphasized, "We have never asked the United States to act in our place along our borders," reaffirming Israel's responsibility for its border communities. The discussion also covered US military actions targeting Iran and ongoing strategic cooperation, despite reports of US pressure for Israel to reconsider some regional deployments, particularly in Syria.