Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth met Friday with Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz at the Pentagon, praising Israel’s recent battlefield performance and reaffirming U.S. support for its key Middle Eastern ally.
The July 18 meeting highlighted deepening defense ties between the Trump administration and Israel following the 12-Day War and the subsequent Operation MIDNIGHT HAMMER.
Hegseth congratulated Katz on what he called Israel’s “remarkable performance” during the conflict, crediting it for paving the way for the success of Operation MIDNIGHT HAMMER. According to an official Defense Department readout, Hegseth “applauded Israel’s willingness to take bold action to lead in its own defense” and emphasized that the U.S. “will continue to enable Israel’s ability to defend itself.”
The Pentagon chief framed the partnership as consistent with President Donald Trump’s foreign policy approach, describing it as part of the broader “mission to achieve Peace Through Strength.”
Both leaders agreed to deepen cooperation to confront shared threats and advance regional stability. It was one of Hegseth’s first major bilateral meetings since taking office.
The readout was issued Saturday by Defense Department spokesman Sean Parnell.