Hegseth makes unannounced trip and other Mideast news

According to the Associated Press, Hegseth announced on social media late Monday U.S. time that he was in the Middle East visiting troops that were on an unspecified, "historic mission."[1] The AP reports that his post came several hours after Axios reported that Hegseth was in Israel visiting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.[1]The AP says that when asked about the visit and the reports, the Pentagon declined to comment.[1]The Times of Israel reports that the meeting was held at Ovda airbase, where US jets are stationed[3]. The paper says later reports indicated Defense Minister Israel Katz attended but IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir and Mossad head Roman Gofman did not.[3]Haaretz reports that two sources familiar with the matter and a U.S. official told CNN that it had not been planned.[2] According to Haaretz, Hegseth's office declined to comment on the report, while Netanyahu's office did not respond to a request for comment.[2]Haaretz notes that the visit came after a report on CNN last week that the U.S. military has developed new strike plans against Iran[2].The Times of Israel reports that news of Hegseth's trip came a day after US President Donald Trump endorsed Netanyahu in next week's election[3]. According to Haaretz, Trump said Iran must change its ways quickly, adding: "we will finish the job."[2]