United States Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Israel on Monday, according to a report by Axios. The meeting, which was not publicly announced beforehand, occurred as Israel prepares for a parliamentary election scheduled for the following week.
The Axios report, published Tuesday, cited two sources with knowledge of the visit. The purpose and specific topics of discussion during the meeting have not been officially disclosed.
According to the original report, The Pentagon and the Israeli Embassy in Washington, D.C., did not immediately provide comments on the matter when requested. The Reuters news agency also reported it could not independently confirm the visit had taken place.
The meeting comes in a significant political context for both nations. The upcoming Israeli election is the first since the Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023, and the subsequent military operations initiated by Israel in the Gaza Strip. Recent opinion polls indicate that Prime Minister Netanyahu’s governing coalition is projected to face challenges in retaining its majority, while opposition parties may also encounter difficulties in forming a new government.
Just prior to the reported meeting, on Sunday, U.S. President Donald Trump publicly endorsed Netanyahu. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump stated that the Israeli prime minister had his “Complete and Total Endorsement.” He added, “BIBI NETANYAHU WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!”
In contrast, U.S. Vice President JD Vance stated on Monday that he would not be endorsing a candidate in the Israeli election. In an interview with the digital media outlet 2WAY, Vance said, “I endorse American candidates, and that’s where I’m focused on is the midterms.”
He clarified his position by adding, “I’m not anti-endorsing him, but I’m not pro-endorsing him; I’m not getting involved in Israeli elections.”
