Jerusalem, Oct 20 (V7N)- US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth held an unannounced meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Israel on Monday, October 19, amid discussions between Washington and Tel Aviv over the possibility of resuming military operations against Iran.
The meeting took place eight days before Israel’s scheduled election, according to reports by The Jerusalem Post and US news outlet Axios. Sources in both countries reportedly confirmed the meeting, but details of the discussions were not disclosed.
According to Axios, Netanyahu and Hegseth met at Ovda Air Base in southern Israel, which hosts US military aircraft, including refuelling and fighter jets. Hegseth also met with US military personnel stationed at the base, the report said, citing a source familiar with the matter.
Representatives from the United Arab Emirates were also reportedly among those present at the meeting, according to The Jerusalem Post.
Following the visit, Hegseth posted a photograph of the meeting and his visit on social media, writing: “The best of our country, on a historic mission. God help you.”
The meeting came as Washington and Tel Aviv were reportedly discussing the possibility of renewed military action against Iran. However, it was not immediately clear whether the talks produced any specific decisions regarding Iran or future military operations.
Neither the US nor Israeli authorities had publicly disclosed further details of the meeting in the reports cited.
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