U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is expected to travel to Israel on Wednesday for his first official visit to the country, where he will hold high-level talks on regional security and defense cooperation, according to CNN, citing three people familiar with the plans.
The report says Hegseth is scheduled to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz. One of the key issues expected to be discussed is Israeli concern over a possible future sale of F-35 stealth fighter jets to Türkiye.
CNN noted, however, that it remains unclear whether the itinerary could change following the latest U.S. military strikes against Iran.
The planned visit comes as the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) says American forces carried out strikes against targets in Iran in response to what it described as Iranian attacks on three commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
CENTCOM characterized the alleged attacks as “unprovoked, dangerous and a clear violation of the ceasefire,” but did not provide details about the locations targeted or the extent of the damage.
Iranian authorities have not yet issued an official response to the U.S. allegations. However, Iranian state media reported several explosions in Sirik County in southern Iran without identifying their cause.
If the visit proceeds as planned, it is likely to underscore close security coordination between Washington and Tel Aviv at a time of heightened military tensions across the Middle East. Nevertheless, the precise agenda and timing could still change depending on developments in the region.
