Hegseth Reportedly Meets Netanyahu in Unannounced Israel Visit Amid Talk of Resuming Iran Operations

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has reportedly held an unannounced meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, while the Israeli military has frozen soldiers' leave. The developments have raised questions over the next US-Israeli move on Iran, though there is no official confirmation of any military decision.

Meeting at Ovda Air Base amid Signs of Military Preparation

According to a report by the US news website Axios on 19 October 2026, Hegseth met Netanyahu on Monday at Ovda Air Base in southern Israel. Citing two sources familiar with the matter, the report said the visit came amid US-Israeli discussions on the possibility of resuming major military operations against Iran.

The news agency Reuters has also reported the unannounced visit. However, according to the agency, the Pentagon and the Israeli embassy in Washington did not immediately comment. No concrete military decision taken during the meeting has therefore been officially confirmed.

IDF Freezes Soldiers' Leave; Alert Reportedly Raised

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) has ordered a wide-ranging freeze on soldiers' leave from Thursday, ahead of Israel's 27 October parliamentary election. Reports also say staffing at military command centres is being raised to wartime levels and that security alert is being kept at the highest level.

Such measures can ensure the availability of troops and a quick response during possible military action. However, these preparations do not by themselves prove that a final order to attack has been issued.

Dispute Over Reported Attack on Konarak Naval Base

Tension has also risen over the Konarak naval base on Iran's south-eastern coast. The Iranian side has claimed that US forces targeted the base and that two soldiers were injured. A US official has, however, called the claim false. Independent confirmation of the circumstances of the attack and the damage is therefore still needed.

Challenge for Netanyahu on Both Military and Political Fronts

The timing of the meeting is also significant. Israel holds parliamentary elections on 27 October, and political uncertainty remains over Netanyahu's coalition government. US President Donald Trump recently endorsed Netanyahu.

The biggest question at present is whether Washington and Israel want to increase military pressure to force Iran into talks or are actually moving towards wider strikes. Until the two governments make a clear statement, it would be appropriate to view these signs only as possible military preparation.