Axios, citing informed sources, reported that US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth made an unannounced visit to Israel on 19/10. He reportedly met Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at Ovda airbase in southern Israel, home to numerous US refueling aircraft and fighter jets.

Sources added that Secretary Hegseth also met with US soldiers stationed at the base.

Prime Minister Netanyahu (left) and Secretary Hegseth in Washington in 2/2025. Photo: Reuters

The Pentagon and the Israeli Prime Minister's Office have not responded to the information.

However, Secretary Hegseth posted photos on social media showing a visit to "soldiers from Central Command (CENTCOM)", the agency responsible for US military operations in the Middle East.

The Pentagon chief's visit came eight days before the Israeli election, as the two countries discuss potentially resuming a large-scale offensive against Iran.

President Donald Trump also expressed support for Netanyahu last week in the Israeli election. This is the first election since the Hamas attack on 7/10/2023, an event that shocked Israel and plunged the Middle East into turmoil.

According to public opinion polls, Prime Minister Netanyahu's coalition is predicted to lose its majority to govern, but the opposition may also face difficulties forming a new government.

President Trump praised Netanyahu's leadership and the partnership between the US and Israel, especially in responding to Iran. The US President warned that Washington might have to "bear the burden itself" if the Israeli people choose a different leader.

Ngoc Anh (According to Reuters, AA, Axios)