US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during an unannounced visit to Israel on Monday, October 19, Axios reported, citing two sources familiar with the meeting.
The reported encounter comes amid heightened political attention surrounding Israel's parliamentary election next week, following an endorsement of Netanyahu by US President Donald Trump.
The purpose of the meeting and the subjects discussed remain unclear.
Reuters said it could not independently confirm the meeting between Hegseth and Netanyahu.
The Pentagon declined to comment, while Israel's embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to requests for information.
Hegseth separately acknowledged visiting American military personnel stationed within the US Central Command area of responsibility in a social media post.
The command oversees military operations across the Middle East, northeast Africa and parts of Asia.
However, his statement did not establish whether he had met Netanyahu or provide details about their reported discussions.
The visit was reported against the backdrop of Israel's first parliamentary election since the Hamas-led October 7 attacks in 2023 and the subsequent Israeli military campaigns in Gaza, Lebanon and Iran.
Trump publicly endorsed Netanyahu on Sunday through his Truth Social platform, praising the Israeli leader for his partnership with Washington during the war against Iran.
The president expressed unequivocal support for Netanyahu's reelection, describing his backing as a complete endorsement.
Opinion polls suggest Netanyahu's religious-nationalist coalition could lose its governing majority in the upcoming vote.
However, opposition parties may also face difficulties assembling a governing coalition, leaving the election's political outcome uncertain.
US Vice President JD Vance adopted a different position on Monday, declining to endorse Netanyahu during an interview with digital media outlet 2WAY.
Vance said his political attention remained focused on American candidates and the upcoming US midterm elections.
His remarks contrasted with Trump's public intervention in Israel's electoral contest, highlighting differing approaches within the US administration toward Netanyahu's campaign.