<p>Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth at the Pentagon on Wednesday (July 9). Both leaders hailed their longstanding friendship and mutual ties, and touted the success of last month’s strikes on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. "I think Iran took note. I think everybody in the Middle East took note of American resolve and of the strength of our alliance. I think it was—frankly, it was like the roar of two lions," Netanyahu said Netanyahu is making his third U.S. visit since President Trump took office on January 20. Trump met Netanyahu on Tuesday for the second time in two days to discuss the situation in Gaza, with the president's Middle East envoy indicating that Israel and Hamas were nearing an agreement on a ceasefire deal after 21 months of war.</p>
