Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday to commemorate “Operation Midnight Hammer” and discuss the ongoing Gaza conflict.
The meeting at the Pentagon marked the first high-level engagement between the two allies since the conclusion of what officials described as the “12-Day War.”
The summit marks a renewed commitment to military cooperation between Washington and Jerusalem under the Trump administration. Both leaders expressed optimism about a potential Gaza ceasefire while reaffirming their stance on Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
Hegseth praised American forces for executing what he called a “perfect operation.” The defense secretary emphasized that President Trump’s “Peace Through Strength” doctrine had delivered results.
The Pentagon chief reiterated the U.S. commitment to preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons. He also stressed the importance of securing the release of all hostages in Gaza.
Netanyahu and Hegseth voiced hope that Hamas would accept the latest ceasefire proposal. The secretary underscored the need to end the Gaza war while ensuring the hostages’ return.
Department spokesman Sean Parnell characterized the meeting as a celebration of the U.S.-Israel partnership. The readout highlighted continued American support for Israeli security interests in the region.
