DID Press: US War Secretary Pete Hegseth has confirmed his visit to the Middle East amid reports that he held an unannounced meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the southern part of the occupied territories.
Hegseth published a photograph on X showing him meeting with US military personnel but did not disclose his exact location. He linked the visit to forces under the US Central Command (CENTCOM), which oversees American military operations in the Middle East.
Earlier, US news outlet Axios and Israeli media outlet Walla reported, citing informed sources, that Netanyahu and Hegseth had held a secret meeting at Ovda Airport near the city of Eilat in the occupied territories. The airport is used for both military and civilian flights and has reportedly hosted US aerial refuelling aircraft.
The Pentagon declined to comment on the reported meeting.
The Jerusalem Post, citing Walla, also reported that several other individuals, including Emirati officials, attended the meeting, suggesting that the discussions may have had broader regional implications.
The reports come amid escalating tensions across the Middle East and growing concerns about the risk of a wider regional conflict.