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Hegseth meets with Netanyahu in Israel ahead of elections and possible restart to Iran war
CBS News • • general
Key Points:
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth made a discreet visit to Israel on Monday, meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of Israel's upcoming elections, confirmed by multiple sources but not officially acknowledged by the Pentagon or Israeli government.
- The visit occurs amid heightened tensions involving Iran, with recent joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iranian targets and President Trump considering renewed military action against Iran after the November U.S. midterm elections.
- Netanyahu, facing political uncertainty with elections scheduled for October 27, has stated he does not plan to initiate new strikes against Iran before the vote, despite ongoing regional conflicts.
- President Trump publicly endorsed Netanyahu, praising him as a strong partner against Iran, while the U.S. administration has also pressured Israel to moderate military actions in Lebanon and address settler violence in the West Bank.
