The US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth praised Israel at the beginning of his meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying it is an "exemplary ally." Netanyahu said that: "We have absolute gratitude and admiration for the American military, for President Trump. Iran noticed, the entire Middle East noticed the strength of our alliance. We have admiration and appreciation for everything you've done." At the end of their statement to the press, Hegseth said: "It starts with strength and then peace. We appreciate that."

