U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is set to visit Israel next week as part of diplomatic preparations for President Donald Trump's upcoming Middle East trip. The visit underscores growing cooperation between the two nations on security matters amid regional tensions.

Hegseth will meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz to discuss military coordination, Iran’s nuclear ambitions, and ongoing conflicts in the region. Sources indicate that Israel is pushing for stronger U.S. military support against Iran, a stance that has caused some friction with Trump’s administration.

The visit comes at a pivotal time, with the war in Gaza and U.S. military operations in Yemen shaping the broader geopolitical landscape. Israeli officials have also raised concerns about Pentagon appointees under Trump, questioning their stance on military interventions in the Middle East.

Following his engagements in Israel, Hegseth will travel to Saudi Arabia to join Trump, who is scheduled to visit key allies including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. While Trump’s itinerary currently excludes Israel, Hegseth’s visit is expected to reaffirm U.S.-Israel strategic ties ahead of the broader diplomatic push.