As tensions escalate between the United States and Iran, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has canceled his planned visit to Israel.
According to reports from Reuters and other outlets on July 8, Hegseth canceled his schedule ahead of a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
This visit was set to be Hegseth's first to Israel since taking office. He was expected to discuss the potential sale of U.S. F-35 fighter jets to Turkey with Netanyahu and Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.
In a local podcast interview, Netanyahu stated, "Hegseth received an urgent call from the White House and returned to Washington."
When asked if the cancellation was a setback for Israel, he replied, "It could have other meanings." However, he refrained from elaborating on the specifics, saying, "I cannot comment on that right now."
The cancellation comes as the U.S. and Iran exchange airstrikes and retaliatory actions over attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. Israel has been cautious about the U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding and subsequent negotiations, raising interest in the reasons behind this schedule change.
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.