Hegseth cancels Israel trip to join Trump on Air Force One

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth cancelled his trip to Israel to join President Trump on Air Force One for his trip to the Middle East. This move is seen as a signal that Trump continues to support Hegseth despite recent controversies. Trump had previously stated that Hegseth is doing a good job and that his position as secretary of defense is safe. Hegseth's trip to Israel had been planned for several days and included meetings with Israeli officials and a visit to a navy ship off the coast of Gaza. However, on Thursday, Hegseth's team notified the Israeli ministry of defense that the trip was cancelled due to Trump's request for him to travel on Air Force One. Hegseth was initially supposed to meet with his counterpart Israel Katz and Prime Minister Netanyahu during his trip to Israel. He was also scheduled to travel to Saudi Arabia from Israel on Tuesday, but instead will join Trump's visit from Washington. Other officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, are also scheduled to join Trump's trip to the Middle East. A Pentagon spokesman denied that Hegseth cancelled his trip to Israel, stating that he was asked to join Trump's trip and looks forward to visiting Israel soon. The cancellation of Hegseth's trip to Israel and his decision to travel with Trump instead highlights the close relationship between the two and Trump's continued support for his secretary of defense.