Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a private visit as the country prepares for a pivotal election, according to Axios.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during an unannounced visit to Israel, Axios reported on Monday, citing two unnamed sources familiar with the matter.
The meeting, which took place against the backdrop of a tightly contested parliamentary election, underscores the strong ties between the US defense establishment and Israel’s leadership. The Pentagon and Israel’s embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to requests for comment, and details of the discussion remain unclear.
The visit comes as Prime Minister Netanyahu faces a critical electoral test, with his religious-nationalist coalition expected to lose its governing majority, according to recent polls. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump publicly endorsed Netanyahu on Sunday via his social media platform, Truth Social, calling him a key ally in the region and praising his stance toward Iran.
“He had my Complete and Total Endorsement,” Trump wrote, adding, “BIBI NETANYAHU WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!”
In contrast, US Vice President JD Vance declined to offer a similar endorsement, stating in an interview that he refrains from commenting on foreign elections. “I endorse American candidates, and that’s where I’m focused — the midterms,” Vance said during an appearance with 2WAY.
Hegseth’s trip marks another high-level engagement between US officials and Israeli leadership, reflecting ongoing coordination on regional security matters.
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