US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth made an unannounced visit to Israel on Monday and held talks with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as uncertainty grows over the prospect of renewed military action against Iran.
The meeting was confirmed by a senior US military official, who spoke anonymously because they were not authorised to comment publicly. A second source involved in the matter in Israel also confirmed that Mr Netanyahu met Mr Hegseth.
The visit came just over a week before elections in Israel, where Mr Netanyahu’s right-wing Likud-led coalition is seeking to remain in power. The prime minister has said he does not intend to launch fresh strikes against Iran before the October 27 vote.
Mr Hegseth indicated on social media that he was in the area of responsibility of US Central Command on Monday. He posted a photograph of himself addressing American service members, describing them as being “on a historic mission”, but did not disclose his location or refer to Israel.
The Pentagon declined to comment on the visit. The Israeli government was also approached for comment.
The meeting followed President Donald Trump’s remarks that he was considering whether to reach a deal with Iran’s leadership or “annihilate” the country. He has said a decision could come after the November midterm elections.
Israeli and US forces jointly launched strikes against Iran in late February and co-operated closely during the early stages of the conflict. The United States also struck three Iranian nuclear sites in June 2025 during a wider confrontation between Israel and Iran.
Although Iran and the US have largely avoided striking each other in recent weeks, the possibility of further military action remains a prominent issue. Mr Trump endorsed Mr Netanyahu on Sunday, calling him “a Great Warrior Prime Minister, and an even greater Partner for Peace in combatting the Islamic Republic of Iran”.
Mr Netanyahu’s coalition faces challenges from several centrist parties, including one led by former Israel Defence Forces chief of staff Gadi Eisenkot. The Israeli prime minister is the country’s longest-serving leader.
The Trump administration has maintained close ties with Mr Netanyahu while also pressing Israel over its military activity. It has urged a reduction in strikes against Lebanon, where the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah is based, called for action against settler violence in the West Bank and encouraged a longer-term agreement with Hamas in Gaza.
Last month, Trump envoy Jared Kushner suggested that Israel’s election campaign had slowed progress in Gaza, saying: “They just have a crazy election, and that makes them a little irrational in certain regards.”
