WASHINGTON, May 4. /TASS/. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is planning to travel to Israel on the eve of US President Donald Trump’s visit to the Middle East, the Axios portal reported citing Israeli officials.

According to them, it is anticipated that Hegseth arrives in Israel on May 12 to meet with his Israeli counterpart Israel Katz and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Then the Pentagon chief will join Trump on his Middle Eastern tour.

Earlier, the White House reported that Trump will travel to the Middle East on May 13-16, visiting Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.