Scoop: Pete Hegseth meets with Netanyahu in Israel ahead of elections

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Israel on Monday, according to two sources with knowledge told Axios. The unannounced visit occurred eight days before an Israeli election and during U.S.-Israeli discussions regarding the potential resumption of major combat operations against Iran. Both the Pentagon and the Israeli Embassy declined to comment on the meeting, and the Prime Minister's office did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

On Sunday, Donald Trump gave Benjamin Netanyahu his "complete and total endorsement," with Ajel English reporting that Trump stated anyone else would be the wrong choice to lead Israel. Semafor notes this endorsement comes nine days before Israel's election as the prime minister faces a difficult reelection and increasing isolation. Semafor reports that the Prime Minister's office has described certain criticisms as a "coordinated campaign to smear Israel."

Brief written by urgent.news from Axios, Semafor, Ajel English — 3 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.