Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said on Tuesday that he discussed with the U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth the need to eliminate the rule of the Palestinian movement Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

They also addressed the importance of jointly countering the alleged threat posed by Iran.

“Great conversation with Hegseth. I thanked him for the Trump administration’s support in expediting military aid to Israel. Its unwavering commitment to Israel’s security. We agreed: All hostages must be brought home, and Hamas rule in Gaza must be eliminated,” Mr Katz said in a post on X.

He also emphasised, “Iran remains the greatest threat to regional security, and we will work together to prevent it from obtaining nuclear weapons. Our bond is unbreakable.”

The discussions on regional threats come amid concerns over the potential resumption of hostilities in Gaza after the first phase of the ceasefire deal was implemented.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed on Sunday that Israel had halted the flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza.

This decision came after Hamas refused to accept the proposal by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff to temporarily extend the first phase of the ceasefire.

(RIA/NAN)