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Immediate Release

Readout of Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth's Meeting With Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

Department of Defense Spokesman Sean Parnell provided the following readout:

On July 9, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth hosted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to honor the historic success of Operation Midnight Hammer and to celebrate Israel's special partnership with the United States. Secretary Hegseth expressed his appreciation for the brave U.S. servicemembers who executed this perfect operation that brought a conclusion to the 12-Day War, delivering on President Trump's vision of Peace Through Strength. The Secretary reiterated that, under the President's leadership, the United States remains committed to supporting Israel and preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.

Secretary Hegseth and Prime Minister Netanyahu expressed hope that Hamas will agree to the latest Gaza ceasefire proposal. The Secretary reaffirmed the importance of the return of all hostages and ending the war in Gaza.