The US news website "Axios" revealed, citing several informed sources, that Pete Hegseth, the US defense secretary, met with Benjamin Netanyahu, the prime minister of that country, during an unannounced and secret visit to Israel.
According to the website's information, the meeting took place at the "Ovda" air base in southern Israel, where US military fighter jets and refueling aircraft are stationed. The sensitive visit comes only eight days before Israel's general election and coincides with intensive discussions and coordination between Washington and Tel Aviv over the possibility of resuming a broad military operation against Iran.
It was also reported that the US defense secretary met with his country's soldiers in the US Central Command (CENTCOM) area during his visit. This move comes after US President Donald Trump formally reiterated his support for Netanyahu's victory in the upcoming elections, clearly signaling the strengthening of security and military coordination between the two allies at this sensitive stage.
