Israel’s defence minister, Israel Katz, informed US secretary of defence Pete Hegseth during an overnight phone call that Israeli forces will not withdraw from the “security zones” they have established inside Lebanon, Syria and the Gaza Strip, according to a statement from Katz’s office. The call also saw Hegseth brief Katz on ongoing US military operations in Iran, and the two sides agreed to continue coordination in the face of any potential developments. The exchange, confirmed by both Israeli and US readouts, highlights the parallel but increasingly divergent tracks of the allies’ regional strategies.

Katz’s office said the minister “emphasised Israel’s determination to remain in the security zones in Syria, Gaza, and Lebanon in order to protect Israel’s borders and the communities near the border from the threats posed by jihadist forces,” describing the posture as a central lesson of the 7 October attacks. “We have never asked the United States to act in our place along our borders,” Katz added. “We are committed to protecting the residents of Israel from every threat, and that is what we intend to do.” Israeli officials in Jerusalem have described the forward deployments as essential to national security, even as Washington has signalled a preference for a different approach.

Viewed from Washington, the Israeli stance complicates a diplomatic push that has been underway for weeks. US President Donald Trump, during a phone call with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last week, asked Israel to redeploy its forces from Syria and Lebanon, US and Israeli officials told the Axios news site. Trump reportedly told Netanyahu that the Israeli military presence in Syrian territory “creates tensions and could lead to an escalation,” adding, “They don’t want you there. You should redeploy.” The same message was conveyed regarding Lebanon. The US is currently mediating talks between Israel and Lebanon; a fifth round concluded in Rome on Wednesday with what American officials described as “positive” discussions. Under a framework agreement, Israel is expected to begin withdrawing from two “pilot zones” in southern Lebanon in the coming days, allowing the Lebanese army to deploy. No such withdrawal has yet occurred, and Katz’s remarks suggest Israel intends to maintain a broader security footprint irrespective of the pilot arrangement.

The call also highlighted the close operational coordination on Iran. Hegseth updated Katz on US military activities in Iran, and the two agreed to sustain cooperation against any future contingencies. Israeli officials, speaking to the New York Post before the latest US strikes, indicated that Israel is prepared to join further military action if necessary, though they stressed they do not wish to return to a situation where civilians must seek shelter. The Israeli military has demonstrated air superiority in previous rounds of conflict with Iran, and Israeli leaders have repeatedly signalled readiness for independent action. For now, the immediate diplomatic test lies in Lebanon, where the implementation of the pilot zones is expected to begin shortly, even as Israel publicly insists on a longer-term presence in all three theatres.