Netanyahu Reveals US Defense Secretary Called Back to White House, Cancels Israel Visit
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu disclosed on Wednesday that US Defense Secretary Pete Gascot was summoned back to the White House, resulting in the cancellation of his planned visit to Israel. Netanyahu declined to explain the reason for the recall but hinted with a smile that the cancellation might indicate a different development. During an interview on the program "In Sharon's Living Room," Netanyahu said the meeting with Gascot "probably will not happen" and confirmed that the defense secretary was called back to Washington.
When asked if he was disappointed by the cancellation, especially since topics like the potential sale of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey and security issues concerning Iran were on the agenda, Netanyahu responded cryptically, "Why do you think it’s disappointing? Maybe it means something else?" He refused to elaborate further, stating, "There are several possibilities."
Netanyahu learned about Gascot’s return shortly before the interview while in the makeup room and confirmed that the defense secretary was indeed heading back to Washington. He also dismissed the need for the public to "refresh their protected spaces" (Mamad), saying they should always be prepared.
According to Reuters, Gascot’s visit would have been his first to Israel since taking office, with planned meetings involving Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz. The discussions were expected to cover the F-35 sale to Turkey and developments regarding Iran. Netanyahu did not provide any specific warnings or indicate that Israel was facing an immediate threat. However, his manner of revealing the recall, combined with his smile and ambiguous comment, suggested the cancellation might be more than routine.
This announcement comes amid escalating tensions between the US and Iran. Following overnight exchanges, US President Donald Trump declared that the memorandum of understanding with Tehran was over and threatened further US military strikes in Iran. It remains unclear whether Gascot’s recall is directly related to potential new actions against Iran, security consultations in Washington, or another significant development. Netanyahu refrained from disclosing details but did not dispel the impression that a major event is unfolding behind the scenes.
