US Defense Secretary Makes Secret Visit to Israel, Meets Netanyahu

U.S. Secretary of Defense the U.S. Secretary of Defense made a clandestine visit to Israel, meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the Ovda Air Force base in southern Israel, two sources confirmed to Channel 13. A source briefed on the discussions stated that "several issues were discussed, including Iran." The meeting, which lasted approximately two hours, was attended by other senior officials, as well as discreetly by individuals from the United Arab Emirates. The U.S. Secretary of Defense also met with American soldiers during his visit.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) emphasized that Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, Air Force Commander Tomer Bar, and Head of Military Intelligence Shlomi Binder were not present at the meeting. Officials in Washington and the Prime Minister's Office in Jerusalem declined to comment on the report.

Netanyahu had previously released a video from an air force base stating, "I spoke with the base commander, I was impressed by the readiness, the determination, and the ability to strike our enemies when necessary." He issued a warning: "I tell our enemies: Don't test us, you will suffer harder blows than you have ever suffered. We are determined to defend ourselves. Don't test us."

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi responded to Netanyahu's remarks about having "one more mission to complete" in Iran, tweeting, "The last time you wanted to finish the job, Iran grew stronger. Want to try your luck again? Please. But be careful, we also have unfinished business." Araghchi accused Netanyahu of "dragging the US into another war to escape prison, regardless of the consequences for Israel, and for Trump."

Amidst rising tensions, Araghchi reiterated Iran's offer to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within a week, though Washington continues to insist on including the nuclear issue in any potential agreement. The U.S. Embassy in Israel issued a warning to its citizens, advising them to be aware of potential flight cancellations and urging Americans in Iran to leave due to escalating hostilities, including Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia backed by Iran.

These statements followed a post by U.S. President Donald Trump on his Truth social media platform, expressing support for Netanyahu's reelection. Trump claimed Iran has been "systematically, militarily and economically crushed" and stated that if Israel had a leader other than Netanyahu, "America would have to do this job itself, and I am not inclined to do that." He described Netanyahu as a "great fighter, and an even greater partner for peace in the fight against Iran."