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.
Editor's note: This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.