Minister Yisrael Katz: There is a chance for a new deal to release all the hostages

December 11, 2024   

Defense Minister Israel Katz spoke this evening (Wednesday) with US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin. Minister Katz emphasized to him that "after October 7, the State of Israel will not allow a reality in which its citizens will be in danger. Therefore, out of security considerations, I have instructed, together with the Prime Minister, the IDF to occupy control points in the buffer zone in Syria." The two also discussed the IDF's strikes in Syria, and Minister Katz noted that they were carried out in light of the danger that strategic weapons will be directed against the State of Israel in the future. In addition, the Minister discussed with the Secretary of Defense the continuation of enforcement in Lebanon, and noted that "the zero-tolerance policy towards violations will continue." Minister Katz and the Secretary of Defense agreed on the danger posed by Iran and its shipments and agreed to cooperate to prevent attempts to smuggle weapons from Iran to Lebanon, via Syria. They also discussed the issue of advancing a deal to release the hostages. Minister Katz updated Secretary of Defense Austin regarding the negotiations: "There is now a chance for a new deal that will allow the return of all the hostages, including those with American citizenship.".