Pentagon chief to make first visit to Israel, sources say

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth is expected to make his first visit to Israel as Defence Secretary on Wednesday (June 8), according to sources familiar with the plans.

The visit comes amid heightened regional tensions following recent US military strikes on Iran, although it remains unclear whether the developments could affect the trip.

Hegseth is expected to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz, according to US media.

One of the issues expected to feature in the talks is Israel's concern over a possible US sale of F-35 stealth fighter jets to Türkiye. US President Donald Trump has previously suggested such a deal could be considered.

In an interview with US media, Netanyahu criticised Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, 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 to operate the F-35, the United States' most advanced stealth fighter aircraft.

A US official familiar with the plans said Hegseth, who accompanied Trump to the NATO summit in Türkiye, is expected to split from the president's delegation to travel to Israel.

The White House has not commented on the reported visit, while the Pentagon declined to comment.

By Aghakazim Guliyev