Key facts
- U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is reportedly planning his first visit to Israel on Wednesday.
- He is expected to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz.
- A key agenda item is Israel's concern over a potential U.S. sale of F-35 stealth fighter jets to Turkey.
- The visit follows recent U.S. strikes on Iran and occurs amid heightened regional tensions.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is reportedly planning his first visit to Israel on Wednesday, according to CNN citing three sources familiar with the matter. The trip is expected to include meetings with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz.
The visit comes at a time of heightened regional tensions, following recent U.S. strikes on Iran. It remains unclear if these developments could affect Hegseth's itinerary.
One of the key objectives of the visit is to address Israeli concerns regarding a potential U.S. sale of F-35 stealth fighter jets to Turkey. Prime Minister Netanyahu has publicly criticized Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, stating he is "not exactly a model ally of the United States" and accusing him of threatening Israel. Israel is currently the sole operator of the F-35 in the Middle East.
According to one U.S. official, Hegseth is expected to depart from the presidential delegation, which was in Turkey for a NATO summit, to travel to Israel. The White House and the Pentagon have declined to comment on the report.