Hegseth planning to visit Israel on Wednesday: Report

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is expected to visit Israel on Wednesday for meetings with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz, marking his first trip to the country since taking office, CNN reported, citing three people familiar with the plans.

The visit comes amid heightened regional tensions following U.S. strikes on Iran, although it remains unclear whether the itinerary could change in light of the latest developments, the report said.

According to one of CNN's sources, the discussions are also expected to address Israeli concerns over the possible sale of advanced F-35 stealth fighter jets to Turkey, an idea that U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly floated.


In an interview with CNN, Netanyahu criticised Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, saying he was "not exactly a model ally of the United States" and accusing him of threatening Israel. Israel is currently the only country in the Middle East that operates the F-35 fighter jet.

One U.S. official familiar with the plans told CNN that Hegseth, who accompanied Trump to the NATO summit in Turkey, is expected to leave the presidential delegation to travel to Israel. The White House did not comment on the report, while the Pentagon declined to comment, CNN said.