A day after President Donald Trump backed his reelection bid, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Monday, eight days before Israel’s parliamentary election.
Axios reported that the meeting took place at Ovda Air Base in southern Israel. CBS News separately confirmed that the two met, citing U.S. and Israeli sources. The visit had not been announced in advance. Both outlets said the Pentagon declined to comment.
Trump endorsed Netanyahu’s reelection bid in a Sunday, Oct. 18, social media post that also referred to possible further action against Iran. Hegseth’s separate post described a visit to troops under U.S. Central Command but gave no location or mention of Netanyahu. EconoTimes previously reported on Hegseth’s unannounced visit.
In a separate statement issued from an Air Force base Monday, Netanyahu said Israel was ready and able to strike its enemies if necessary. Axios reported on Oct. 13 that U.S. and Israeli officials had discussed possible renewed strikes on Iran. A White House official disputed Axios’ account of a discussion between Trump and Netanyahu; that report covered earlier talks, not Hegseth’s meeting.
Israel’s Central Elections Committee has scheduled the Knesset vote for Tuesday, Oct. 27, and publication of results for Nov. 4. The parliament has 120 seats, and 61 are needed for a majority.
