Massie Files Articles to Force Hegseth Vote on Nov. 9

Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky filed articles of impeachment against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in September. The Republican intends to force a House vote on the measure on Nov. 9, the first day of the new legislative session following the midterm elections.

Massie accused Hegseth of abusing his office by executing an order for hostilities against Iran without approval from Congress. The move places the defense secretary in the unusual position of facing a removal drive from both parties.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries signaled that Democrats are prepared to act quickly if they win control of the chamber. Speaking at a rally in Pennsylvania earlier this month, Jeffries said the party would run Hegseth out of town as one of its first actions in a majority.

Other Democratic lawmakers have used stronger language in recent appearances. Rep. Pramila Jayapal described Hegseth as incompetent and corrupt during a CNN interview. Rep. Jared Huffman called him an unhinged fanatic who should be impeached and removed from office.

The political pressure coincides with scrutiny over Hegseth's recent movements overseas. Two sources confirmed to Walla on Tuesday that Hegseth held a covert meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at Israel's Ovda air base on Monday. The visit took place days before Israel's general election.

Reuters reported that Hegseth confirmed the visit took place but did not elaborate on the conversation. A report from KAN News stated that Iran was the main topic of discussion. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz reportedly attended the sit-down, while IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir and other senior officials were not invited for confidentiality reasons.