US Defense Secretary Higgsith to Visit Israel for First Time

The website Axios revealed early Wednesday that US Defense Secretary Pete Higgsith will undertake his first visit to Israel, with expectations that he will meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

An American official told the site that Higgsith, currently in Ankara alongside US President Donald Trump for a NATO summit, is set to travel to Israel on Wednesday.

The official added that Higgsith is expected to discuss the Iran issue and the possible supply of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey during his meeting with Netanyahu.

CNN also reported that Higgsith plans to make his initial visit to Israel on Wednesday, citing informed sources.

The network noted that it was not immediately clear whether the visit plans would be affected by recent US strikes in Iran carried out overnight by American forces.

Sources anticipate that Higgsith will meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz.

The visit aims to reassure Israel regarding its concerns about a potential sale of advanced F-35 stealth fighter jets to Turkey, a matter raised by President Donald Trump during the NATO summit in Ankara.

It is worth noting that Israel is currently the only country in the Middle East operating the F-35, the latest US fighter aircraft.

An American official familiar with the plans stated that Higgsith, who traveled with the president to the NATO summit in Turkey, will separate from President Trump's delegation tomorrow.