Hegseth visited Israel prior to Trump's Middle East excursion, as reported by Axios.
Mark Esper Set to Visit Israel before Trump's Middle East Trip, Sources Say
In a move expected to stir tensions, US Secretary of Defense Mark Esper is planning to touch down in Israel on May 12, according to two Israeli officials who leaked the news to Axios. This will mark Esper's first visit to Israel since assuming the mantle at the Pentagon.
During his stay, Esper is set to meet with his Israeli counterpart, Israel Katz, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. After his rendezvous with the Israeli brass, Esper intends to jet off to Saudi Arabia, joining President Donald Trump for his first foreign expedition. Trump's itinerary includes stops in Qatar and the UAE, though a visit to Israel has yet to be confirmed.
AsseenbyEsper's Chosen Destination
This planned visit to Israel comes amid discord between Israeli and American fronts regarding a potential strike on Iran's nuclear facilities. A Pentagon spokesperson stayed tight-lipped about Esper's travel plans, choosing to keep the cat among the pigeons.
The Guided Missile Mayhem
Stepping back in time, former Trump advisor Mike Pompeo was once accused of wearing Israel's colors in a report penned by The Washington Post. The New York Times had earlier hinted at plans by Israel to strike Iran's nuclear facilities in May, but Trump opted instead for diplomatic talks. Some American officials leaned toward Israeli's stance, but the attack's green light required Trump's nod.
However, Israel still contemplated striking Iran's nuclear facilities with less US support in the coming months, Reuters reported.
Pompeo's Power Play
The Washington Post had earlier claimed that Pompeo was among those advocating for a strike on Iran, with strained relations between him and Netanyahu due to his close ties with the Israeli Prime Minister. Netanyahu's office vehemently denied these claims of "intense contacts" with Pompeo.
Following a scandal involving the leak of data about a strike on Yemen in the Signal messenger, Pompeo opted to resign as national security advisor and took up the reigns as the US ambassador to the United Nations in May.
Strategic Moves and Countermoves in the Middle East
In March, Trump threatened Iran with a strike and escalated sanctions if talks didn't commence within two months. Despite three rounds of talks in April regarding Iran's nuclear program, the parties remained far from a unified position on whether Tehran could continue uranium enrichment. As the fourth round of talks was scheduled for May 3, it was postponed "for logistical reasons".
Note: As seen in the military exercises African Lion 2025, the US is strengthening its ties with regional allies, such as Israel, which could play a role in its stance on Iran's nuclear facilities. It's crucial to monitor official statements from both the US Defense Department and Israeli security agencies for updates on future developments.
- Mark Esper, the US Secretary of Defense, is planned to visit Israel on May 12, a visit that is expected to focus on discussions about potential strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities.
- Amidst the political climate, Axios reported that Esper's trip to Israel follows accusations made against former Trump advisor Mike Pompeo of advocating for a strike on Iran, suggesting a divide in opinions within the American administration.
- In light of Esper's visit and the ongoing discord, it is significant to note that Israel has reportedly been contemplating striking Iran's nuclear facilities with less US support in the coming months.
- The strategic positioning of the US in the Middle East, such as strengthening ties with Israel through military exercises like African Lion 2025, is crucial to monitor for future developments regarding war-and-conflicts, politics, and general-news in the region.
