U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth paid an unannounced visit to Israel on Monday and sat down with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, according to Axios, citing two sources with knowledge of the meeting.
The meeting reportedly took place at the Ovda airbase in southern Israel, where U.S. fighter jets and refueling aircraft are stationed. Hegseth also met with American troops serving at the base during his stay.
The report was later backed up by additional sources. CBS News said a senior U.S. official confirmed the visit, and a second source in Israel confirmed on Tuesday morning that the two men had met. Walla also reported that two sources familiar with the matter confirmed the meeting overnight.
A source briefed on the talks told Israel’s Channel 13 that several issues were discussed, including Iran. The channel also reported that other senior officials attended, along with figures from the United Arab Emirates whose visit was kept under wraps.
According to Channel 12 reporter Moti Castel, Netanyahu took the unusual step of flying to the base from Ben Gurion Airport — which is why he canceled a planned appearance at a game at Teddy Stadium.
Hegseth did not name Israel publicly. Several hours after the report surfaced, he confirmed a trip to the Middle East without giving a location, writing: “It was an honor to visit our warfighters in @CENTCOM today.”
The Pentagon declined to comment on the visit. The Israeli Embassy also declined comment, and the Prime Minister’s Office had not responded at the time of the Axios report.
The trip came eight days before Israel heads to the polls on October 27, and a day after President Donald Trump endorsed Netanyahu in the race. It also comes as Jerusalem and Washington are discussing the possibility of renewing large-scale military operations against Iran.