Washington: U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth made an unannounced visit to Israel on Monday and met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, according to a report by Axios citing two sources familiar with the matter.
The visit comes amid discussions between Washington and Tel Aviv about the possibility of resuming major combat operations against Iran, just eight days before Israel’s parliamentary elections, scheduled for October 27.
The reported meeting took place at Ovda Air Base in southern Israel, which hosts U.S. military aircraft, including refuelling planes and fighter jets.
Possible Resumption of Military Operations Against Iran
The visit follows earlier reports that U.S. President Donald Trump and Netanyahu had discussed the possibility of launching another major military operation against Iran before the Israeli and U.S. elections.
According to an October 7 Axios report, the Pentagon had instructed U.S. Central Command to complete preparations for a possible resumption of major combat operations in Iran. However, the report said no specific date had been set for potential strikes and Trump had not made a final decision.
The discussions reportedly include the possibility of targeting Iranian energy infrastructure, nuclear facilities and other strategic sites. Any renewed campaign could involve coordinated U.S. and Israeli military action.
Election Timing Adds Political Significance
The timing of Hegseth’s visit has drawn attention because Israel is due to hold parliamentary elections on October 27. The vote comes amid continuing regional tensions and political debate over Netanyahu’s handling of security and the conflict with Iran.
Netanyahu said in an October 14 interview that he did not favour launching a pre-emptive strike against Iran before the election, while warning that Israel would respond forcefully if attacked. The latest reports of discussions about renewed military operations have therefore added to uncertainty over the timing of any potential escalation.
No Official Details Released
The Pentagon declined to comment on Hegseth’s reported meeting, while the Israeli Embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Netanyahu’s office also had not publicly provided details of the meeting, according to media reports.
Hegseth said in a social media post that he had visited U.S. service members in the area of responsibility of U.S. Central Command, which covers the Middle East and other regions.
He did not publicly disclose details of the reported meeting with Netanyahu.
As of the latest reports, there has been no official confirmation that a decision has been made to resume major combat operations against Iran, and the precise agenda of the meeting remains undisclosed.