Netanyahu and Hegseth Praise U.S.-Israel Military Alliance in Pentagon Meeting
In a significant display of enduring military cooperation and shared strategic vision, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met on Wednesday with U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth at the Pentagon. The leaders discussed regional security, the strength of the U.S.-Israel alliance, and recent joint military successes, notably Operation Rising Lion.
Opening the meeting with a personal reflection, Netanyahu remarked on the deep history of his relationship with the Pentagon:
“Do you know how many times I’ve been in this room?” he asked.
When Hegseth inquired for a number, Netanyahu replied, “I’d say 40, 50 times.”
Shared Recognition of CENTCOM’s Role
The conversation underscored the critical role of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) in regional defense and in bolstering Israel’s security. Netanyahu expressed heartfelt appreciation:
“Thank you, absolute thanks, gratitude and admiration for CENTCOM, for the U.S. military, for the Secretary of Defense, and the President of the United States… You have the gratitude of the people of Israel and the State of Israel, and I think of many, many others around the world.”
Hegseth praised U.S. military personnel involved in operations protecting Israel, emphasizing the skill, bravery, and quiet effectiveness of U.S. forces:
“Whether it was in the Mediterranean or with THAAD batteries or others, CENTCOM played an incredibly effective role.”
Operation Rising Lion: A Joint Success
A key topic of discussion was the joint U.S.-Israel Operation Rising Lion, which followed 60 days of intensive diplomatic and intelligence coordination. Hegseth commended the precision and professionalism of both nations’ forces:
“The precision with which you went at the nuclear capabilities… and the opportunity we had through those B-2, F-35, F-22, F-15 pilots accompanying the refuelers—it was an honor to be a part of it.”
Netanyahu responded by highlighting the operation’s global impact:
“I think the entire world took note. Iran took note. Everyone in the Middle East saw American resolve and the strength of our alliance. It was like the roar of two lions, and it was heard around the world.”
Peace Through Strength
The leaders returned to a theme that has guided U.S.-Israel cooperation: peace through strength.
“President Trump and I always talk about peace through strength,” Netanyahu said. “First comes strength, then comes the peace. And we hope we’ll realize the fruits of strength very soon.”
Hegseth echoed the sentiment:
“It does start with strength, but it always goes to peace, and we have that opportunity in the region because of your efforts and the efforts of our president.”
A Historic Alliance
Netanyahu closed by affirming the strategic and moral bond between the two nations:
“We are blessed with two great free societies that have joined together. The support of the United States will have lasting consequences for peace and stability in our region.”
Hegseth concluded with praise for Israel’s steadfastness and leadership:
“Thank you for being a friend, a model ally, and for showing leadership and strength.”
The meeting reaffirmed the deep strategic alignment between the United States and Israel, signaling continued cooperation in defense, intelligence, and diplomacy as both nations confront evolving threats in the Middle East.
