US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reportedly held an unannounced meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday, just days before Israel’s parliamentary elections, according to US news outlet Axios.
Axios cited two sources familiar with the visit, which took place eight days before Israelis head to the polls on October 27.
Reuters said it could not independently verify the meeting. The Pentagon declined to comment, while Israel’s embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to requests for confirmation.
The reported visit comes amid discussions between Washington and Israel over the possibility of resuming major military operations against Iran, according to Axios. Details of the meeting’s agenda have not been disclosed.
The development follows US President Donald Trump’s public endorsement of Netanyahu on Sunday, offering support to the Israeli leader as he faces a closely contested election.
Opinion polls suggest Netanyahu’s religious-nationalist coalition could lose its parliamentary majority, although opposition parties may also struggle to secure sufficient support to form a government.
The October 27 vote will be Israel’s first parliamentary election since the Hamas-led attacks of October 7, 2023, which triggered the Gaza war and preceded wider regional conflicts involving Lebanon and Iran.
Trump’s endorsement has also highlighted differing approaches within his administration toward Israel’s domestic political contest.
Vice President JD Vance declined to endorse Netanyahu during an interview with digital media outlet 2WAY on Monday, saying he intended to remain outside the Israeli electoral process.
Vance said his political attention remained focused on American candidates ahead of the US midterm elections.
His position contrasts with Trump’s direct intervention in support of Netanyahu, whose political future remains uncertain as Israel approaches the vote.
Neither Washington nor Israeli authorities have publicly disclosed the purpose of Hegseth’s reported visit or whether additional meetings were scheduled.
