The discussions focused on the potential resumption of major combat operations against Iran just 8 days before Israel's October 27 national election. Hegseth traveled from Andrews Air Force Base via a Boeing C-17 Globemaster III, reportedly using a secure roll on conference capsule for transit. The Pentagon and the Israeli embassy in Washington have declined to comment on the specific itinerary or the nature of the diplomacy.
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
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Hegseth Confirms Secret Israel Visit to Meet UAE and Israeli Leaders
Geopolitics19 hours ago
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth used social media on Monday to acknowledge a trip to the Middle East, describing an unannounced visit to warfighters in the region as a "historic mission." New reports indicate that Hegseth met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Israel Katz, and National Security Adviser Shmuel Ben Ezra at Ovda Air Base in southern Israel. Representatives from the United Arab Emirates also participated in one of the meetings, according to sources familiar with the encounter.
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