Hegseth and Netanyahu hold secret talks – Axios

Pete Hegseth reportedly met with the Israeli PM behind closed doors amid claims that Washington and Tel Aviv are mulling new strikes on Iran

US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has made an unannounced visit to Israel for talks with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu just days before the country’s parliamentary elections, according to Axios.

The reported meeting comes as Washington and Israel discuss potentially resuming major military operations against Iran, while indirect negotiations continue over the war they launched in February. Israel, a major recipient of American military funding and weapons, has justified its offensives on security grounds, even as the conflict has spread across the region, disrupted shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, and driven up global energy prices.

Hegseth met Netanyahu on Monday at Ovda Air Base in southern Israel, where US fighter jets and refueling aircraft are stationed, Axios reported on Tuesday, citing sources familiar with the visit. The Pentagon chief also met American troops deployed at the facility.

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The talks were held behind closed doors, with neither side publicly disclosing what was discussed, the outlet said. The Pentagon declined to comment on the meeting, while Hegseth acknowledged visiting US troops operating under Central Command.

The surprise visit followed US President Donald Trump’s public endorsement of Netanyahu ahead of the October 27 parliamentary elections – Israel’s first since the Hamas-led October 7, 2023 attacks and the subsequent devastating Israeli military campaign in Gaza. On Sunday, the US president hailed Netanyahu as a “Great Warrior Prime Minister” and offered him his “Complete and Total Endorsement.”

“BIBI NETANYAHU WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!” Trump declared on Truth Social, praising the Israeli leader’s role in the US-Israeli war against Iran.

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Netanyahu has ruled Israel for more than 18 years across several terms, longer than any other prime minister in the country’s history. He now faces a fierce battle to stay in power, with opponents blaming him for the catastrophic security failures of the October 7 attack and accusing him of prolonging the devastating war in Gaza to preserve his political survival. Polls suggest his right-wing coalition could lose its parliamentary majority.

Hegseth’s trip also reportedly comes as Washington and West Jerusalem discuss the possibility of unleashing another major military campaign against Iran. Trump has raised the prospect of renewed strikes after the US midterm elections in November.

READ MORE: Israel unlikely to attack Iran before elections – media

Netanyahu has meanwhile made clear that Israel is prepared to attack Iran without waiting for Washington’s approval or participation.

“If we need to act alone, we will act alone,” he declared on Sunday, outlining a security doctrine centered on preemptive military action.

Netanyahu has also called for the overthrow of Iran’s government, claiming Tehran would continue to rebuild its military and nuclear capabilities as long as its current leadership remains in power. Iran has repeatedly denied seeking nuclear weapons, insisting its nuclear program is peaceful.