Hegseth Meets Netanyahu in Unannounced Israel Visit
Source reports published 20 Oct 2026, 10:00 am – 21 Oct 2026, 4:01 am AEST
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth made an unannounced visit to Israel to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The meeting occurred at an air force base in Israel’s southern desert, following a public endorsement from President Trump.
What happened
- United States Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth visited Israel on Monday, meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at an air force base in Israel’s southern desert.
- According to Axios, the meeting occurred with the knowledge of two sources within the Department of Defense.
- President Donald Trump publicly endorsed Netanyahu in next week’s parliamentary election via Truth Social, praising his alliance with the US in its war on Iran and stating he would ‘never let you down.’
- Vice President JD Vance declined to endorse Netanyahu, stating he was focused on the US midterms.
- Israel’s Army Radio reported the meeting took place as Netanyahu’s religious-nationalist coalition faces a projected loss of governing majority, although the opposition may also struggle to form a government.
- The meeting occurred in the Central Command area of responsibility, which covers the Middle East, North Africa, and parts of Asia.
Original reporting
- Al Jazeera: Hegseth meets Netanyahu on unannounced Israel visit
2026-10-20T00:00:00+00:00 - New York Times World: Hegseth Said to Make Unannounced Visit to Israel for Talks With Netanyahu
2026-10-20T18:01:58+00:00