American and Israeli media reported Wednesday that U.S. Defense Minister Pete Hegseth canceled a planned visit to Israel, without clarifying the reasons.

CNN cited two Israeli sources saying Hegseth canceled what would have been his first visit since taking office, following the latest escalation between Iran and the United States. The sources noted he was expected to meet Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yisrael Katz, as well as visit Israeli Air Force bases.

Israel’s Broadcasting Authority confirmed the cancellation, noting Hegseth’s participation alongside President Donald Trump at the NATO summit in Ankara. While no official reason was given, earlier reports suggested the agenda would have included discussions on Iran, Lebanon, and Turkey’s bid to rejoin the F-35 fighter jet program.

No official confirmation has yet been issued by either Washington or Tel Aviv regarding the cancellation, which had not been publicly announced by the Trump administration or the Israeli government.

The move came after President Trump declared that the memorandum of understanding with Iran was “finished,” following U.S. airstrikes on southern Iran and retaliatory attacks by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard on what it claimed were American facilities in Kuwait and Bahrain.

It also comes amid talk of divergences between Washington and Tel Aviv over regional issues. Netanyahu acknowledged Monday that differences exist with Trump but insisted coordination continues.

Turkey and the F-35 Issue

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan expressed confidence Tuesday that NATO’s current summit would yield a positive decision on Turkey’s acquisition of F-35 jets. He recalled prior discussions with the U.S. and promises of delivery, noting Trump’s assurances.

Article image Trump, during his meeting with Erdoğan in Ankara, said Washington would consider selling the jets to Turkey. Netanyahu, however, warned that such a sale could “upend the balance of power” in the Middle East.

The U.S. had excluded Turkey from the F-35 program in 2019 after Ankara purchased a Russian air defense system.

Turkey is hosting the NATO summit on Tuesday and Wednesday, its second time after Istanbul in 2004.