US Defense Secretary Met Secretly With Netanyahu in Southern Israel

U.S. Defense Secretary held a secret, unannounced meeting in Israel with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli officials confirmed Tuesday to Kan News. The meeting reportedly took place at the Ovda base in southern Israel.

The visit occurred amid discussions between the two countries regarding the possibility of renewing operations against Iran, according to an Axios report. The IDF Chief of Staff was not present at the unusual meeting. Also attending were Netanyahu and Defense Minister Katz, among others, at an air force base in the south.

Central Command soldiers, writing, "As always, it was an honor to visit our warriors today. The best sons of our country, on a historic mission. Go in peace and succeed."

The report of the visit comes a day after former President Donald Trump expressed support for Netanyahu ahead of next week's elections. Conversely, Vice President J.D. Vance declined to endorse the Prime Minister in an interview, stating, "I support American candidates, and my focus is on the midterm elections. I am not opposed to Netanyahu, but I do not support him either, I do not interfere in Israeli elections."

Earlier in the week, Netanyahu stated during the presentation of Israel's security concept that "Israel is prepared for a preemptive strike against Iran, even without the United States. Our targets do not depend on American consent, and if necessary, we will act independently." The report also noted that the security concept presented by Netanyahu was not approved by the cabinet or the government, and there are fears in Syria of an unusual Israeli move just before the elections.