US WarSec Hegseth makes secret visit to Israel, meets Netanyahu amid rumors of Iranian escalation

U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth made a secret stop in Israel during his visit to U.S. troops in the Middle East, meeting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the Ovda Air Base in southern Israel, Hebrew media reported on Tuesday morning. 

According to Hebrew media reports, “a number of issues were discussed, including Iran.” 

Hegseth came to the base, which houses fighter jets, refueling planes, and troops from U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), to meet with the soldiers amidst preparations for a possible renewal of combat operations in Iran. 

Hegseth posted a brief note about the visit on his social media account, along with pictures showing him speaking with U.S. soldiers. 

As always, it was an honor to visit our warfighters in @CENTCOM today. The best of our country, on a historic mission. Godspeed. https://t.co/UO094Mvw1e

— Secretary of War Pete Hegseth (@SecWar) October 20, 2026

That post did not indicate the date nor the location of the visit, and all pictures were indoors, making identification of the location difficult. 

Several other officials were present at the meeting, including Defense Minister Israel Katz, National Security Council Chief Shmuel Ben-Ezra, and officials from the United Arab Emirates, the reports in Hebrew media claimed. 

The visit with Netanyahu comes just eight days before the Israeli elections, as many in Israel are wondering whether the two allies will renew military operations against the Islamic Republic of Iran. 

Walla News said the neither the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) nor the Pentagon responded to a request for a comment on the visit. 

The reported presence of Emirati officials in the meeting is noteworthy in light of concern among Gulf states about a further escalation with Tehran, following increased attacks on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, and renewed hostilities between the Houthi rebels and Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces. 

During Operation Roaring Lion earlier this year, the United Arab Emirates received the brunt of Iran’s ballistic missile attacks, even more than Israel, despite not officially participating in combat operations. 

However, several reports claimed that UAE fighter planes did carry out limited bombing operations in Iran, and jets consistent with those in the UAE military were seen over the skies of Iranian cities. 

Both Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump have publicly commented on a possible renewal of hostilities with Iran, while indicating that an escalation would likely not come before elections in the two countries. 

Secretary Hegseth’s reported visit to Israel, and the meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu also comes just days after President Trump publicly supported Netanyahu in the upcoming elections, offering his “complete and total endorsement” in a message posted to Trump’s social media accounts. 

Vice President JD Vance declined to offer support for Netanyahu in an interview the day after Trump’s endorsement. 

“I endorse American candidates, and that’s where I’m focused on is the midterms,” Vance told digital media outlet 2WAY in an interview. “I’m not anti-endorsing him, but I’m not pro-endorsing him, I’m not getting involved in Israeli elections.” 

The vice president travelled to Hungary earlier this year to support Trump ally Viktor Orban during elections there earlier this year. Orban was defeated in those elections.