The key facts
- Pete Hegseth met with Netanyahu during an unannounced visit — Axios, two sources
- Visit 8 days before the Knesset elections on October 27
- Coincided with US-Israel discussions about a possible resumption of combat operations against Iran
Unannounced Visit by the Pentagon Chief
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday during an unannounced visit to Israel. The Axios outlet reported this, citing two sources familiar with the details of the meeting.
Timing and Context of the Visit
According to Axios, the visit took place eight days before the Knesset elections scheduled for October 27. It also coincided with discussions between the US and Israel about the possibility of resuming major combat operations against Iran.
Trump's Endorsement Ahead of the Election
On Sunday, Donald Trump announced his 'Complete and Total Endorsement' of Netanyahu in his fight for re-election. In a lengthy post on Truth Social, he praised Netanyahu's leadership and his partnership with Washington, especially in confronting Iran, and warned that if Israelis choose another leader, the US might be forced to take that burden upon itself.
