Hegseth met with Netanyahu in unannounced trip to Israel, reports

Defense Secretary Peter Hegseth reportedly met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Israel on Monday, ahead of Election Day in the Middle East leader's country, where he is seeking reelection.

The unannounced visit, just over a week before Netanyahu's party faces elections, is being reported Tuesday by several news outlets, including Axios, based on sources.  

Hegseth posted on X that he was in U.S. Central Command's area of responsibility Monday, and included a photo of himself addressing U.S. service members whom he said were "on a historic mission." But he did not specify his location.

The Pentagon has declined to comment on the visit. 

President Trump in the past few days endorsed Netanyahu and has suggested restarting military operations against Iran, with whom the U.S. and Israel are at war.