Scoop: Pete Hegseth meets with Netanyahu in Israel ahead of elections

Axios · 10/20/2026, 2:06:36 AM

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Israel on Monday, two sources with knowledge told Axios. Why it matters: The unannounced visit comes eight days before Israel's election and amid U.S.-Israeli discussions about potentially resuming major combat operations against Iran . Behind the scenes: The meeting with Netanyahu took place at Ovda Air Base in southern Israel, where U.S. refueling planes and fighter jets are deployed, two sources said. Hegseth also met with U.S. troops at the base, a source with knowledge told Axios. Hegseth later posted an image of himself visiting U.S. Central Command troops. CENTCOM oversees military operations in the Middle East, parts of Central Asia, South Asia and Egypt. The Pentagon and the Israeli Embassy declined to comment. The Israeli prime minister's office didn't immediately respond to a request for comment. Screenshot: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth/X Editor's note: This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.