We Will Defend Ourselves” – Katz Sends Powerful Message to US Amid Rising Middle East T£nsions

According to a report by The Jerusalem Post on Thursdays, July 16, 2026, Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz has reaffirmed that his country will continue to defend its borders independently, telling U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth that Israel has never asked Washington to take responsibility for its security operations.

Katz held a late-night phone conversation with Hegseth from Wednesday into Thursday amid ongoing U.S. military activity involving Iran and heightened security concerns across the Middle East.

According to Israel’s Defence Ministry, Hegseth provided Katz with an update on American operations in Iran, while both officials agreed to maintain close coordination between their countries in response to possible regional developments.

During the discussion, Katz briefed Hegseth on Israel’s military activities against what he described as jihadist terrorist groups in Syria, Gaza, and Lebanon.

He emphasized that Israel intends to maintain security zones along its borders on all three fronts to protect Israeli communities and prevent future attacks.

Katz said Israel’s approach was shaped by lessons from the October 7 attacks, stressing the importance of maintaining a strong defensive posture against threats from surrounding areas.

“We have never asked the United States to act in our place along our borders. We are committed to defending Israel’s citizens against every threat, and that is what we intend to do,” Katz said.

The call came as regional tensions remain elevated, with multiple security challenges unfolding across the Middle East.

Israeli officials have continued to emphasize the need for military readiness, while maintaining coordination with the United States on broader regional security issues.