Netanyahu's Secret Meeting with US Defense Secretary Amid Iran Tensions

U.S. Defense Secretary arrived in Israel yesterday (Sunday) for a clandestine meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the Ovda airbase in southern Israel, Axios reported, citing two sources familiar with the matter. The visit, unannounced by the Pentagon, occurred just eight days before Israeli elections and amid escalating tensions with Iran. Defense Minister Yisrael Katz and senior officials from the United Arab Emirates also participated in the secret meeting. The base where the meeting took place is reportedly equipped with American refueling and fighter jets. Central Command forces. The Pentagon and the Israeli Embassy in the United States declined to comment on the report, and the Prime Minister's office provided no immediate response. The secret meeting took place against the backdrop of discussions between Jerusalem and Washington regarding the possibility of renewing extensive attacks on Iran. Last week, it was reported that Netanyahu had spoken with President Donald Trump about the possibility of launching another military operation, but the U.S. President did not provide a commitment. Yesterday, during a visit to an air force base, Netanyahu issued a stern warning to Israel's enemies: "Don't test us, you will suffer blows harder than you have suffered to date."