U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during an unannounced visit to Israel, as tensions rise between the U.S. and Iran. The meeting focused on regional threats and U.S.-Israel cooperation, with Netanyahu expressing concerns over Iranian activities in the Strait of Hormuz.
Hegseth's visit comes as tensions flare between the U.S. and Iran over the Strait of Hormuz and as Yemen's Iran-allied Houthis intensify attacks on Saudi Arabia. The meeting was confirmed by Netanyahu's spokesperson, who noted the deep personal relationship between the two leaders.
Netanyahu has not sought to attack Iran before the October 27 election, while Trump has pledged not to act before U.S. midterm elections in November. The visit follows joint U.S.-Israeli strikes against Iran in late February, which escalated the Middle East conflict.
Hegseth's visit is part of broader U.S. efforts to bolster military presence in the region, with additional U.S. forces now stationed in Israel since February. The Pentagon has not publicly commented on the visit, though Hegseth has shared details about his meetings with U.S. service members in the Central Command area.