US Defense Secretary Cancels First Official Visit to Israel Amid Regional Tensions

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has canceled his first official visit to Israel, which was scheduled for today. Israeli Prime Minister's Office and political sources were informed of the decision. The visit was planned amid sensitive regional developments, primarily to address Israeli concerns over a potential US approval of advanced F-35 fighter jet sales to Turkey, a topic raised during the NATO summit in Turkey attended by President Donald Trump.

Additionally, the visit was set to take place shortly after reports of US airstrikes in Iran, with Israeli political and defense officials preparing for in-depth discussions with Hegseth regarding joint policy towards Tehran. As of now, the Pentagon has not provided an official explanation for the sudden cancellation of the Defense Secretary's trip to Israel.