Hegseth meets with Netanyahu in Israel ahead of elections and possible restart to Iran war
Updated on: October 20, 2026 / 12:50 AM EDT / CBS News
TL;DR
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth made a quiet visit to Israel and met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
- The unannounced visit occurred just over a week before Netanyahu's party faces elections.
- This meeting follows President Trump's suggestion of resuming military operations against Iran after the U.S. midterm elections.
- Hegseth confirmed being in the U.S. Central Command's area of responsibility but did not specify his location or mention Israel.
- The Pentagon declined to comment on the visit.