US Defense Secretary Hegseth Meets Netanyahu Amid Reports of Iran Military Action Talks

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth arrived in Israel on Monday evening for an unannounced visit, during which he met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The meeting occurred amid reports of US-Israeli consultations regarding the potential resumption of military operations against Iran. Axios, citing two sources familiar with the matter, reported details of the visit, while Yedioth Ahronoth stated the meeting took place at Ovda military base in southern Israel and lasted an unusually long time. Netanyahu reportedly traveled to the base by private jet instead of a helicopter, missing a football match he had planned to attend. Ovda base houses US refueling aircraft and fighter jets, and Hegseth also met with US troops there. Reuters was unable to independently verify the meeting, and neither the Pentagon nor the Israeli Embassy in Washington immediately commented. Netanyahu's office did not respond to a request for comment. Hegseth had previously announced on social media his visit to US armed forces personnel in the CENTCOM area of responsibility, which includes the Middle East. The visit comes amidst reports of US-Israeli preparations for a possible renewed conflict with Iran. Axios had previously reported that Netanyahu and then-US President Donald Trump discussed the possibility of a joint military operation against Tehran before the Israeli elections on October 27 and the US midterm elections a week later. According to the report, Netanyahu informed Trump of Israeli concerns based on intelligence suggesting Iran was taking steps to reactivate its nuclear program. The two also discussed targeting Iranian nuclear facilities and military sites, though Trump has not committed to approving a new attack. A US source told Axios that Trump encouraged Netanyahu to prepare but did not pledge to proceed with military action. These developments coincide with the approaching Israeli elections, following Trump's endorsement of Netanyahu. Opinion polls indicate the national religious coalition led by Netanyahu may lose its Knesset majority, while the opposition faces difficulties forming an alternative government. Separately, US Vice President J.D. Vance stated in an interview on Monday that he would not interfere in the Israeli elections, focusing instead on US elections.