Axios reports Hegseth met Netanyahu during Israel visit

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Israel, Axios reported, citing sources.

The outlet said the American minister's visit on Monday had not been announced in advance. It took place amid discussions about potentially resuming major combat operations against Iran.

On 13 October, Donald Trump said he would decide soon on further steps regarding Iran. The same day, Axios reported that the US president and Netanyahu had discussed the possibility of a new operation before elections in both countries.

Trump publicly endorsed Netanyahu on Sunday ahead of the parliamentary vote.

Israel's Knesset election is scheduled for 27 October, with a new government to be formed following the vote. The current Netanyahu-led government was formed in late 2022.