Pete Hegseth

Pentagon's 2026 defense strategy names Israel a ‘model ally,’ shifts to ‘peace through strength’

The 34-page document, signed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, constitutes a strategic message to Israel, solidifying its position as the United States' most senior partner in the Middle East.

|ByELI LEON
This picture taken 26 December 2011 shows the Pentagon building in Washington, DC.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (R) and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth (L) speak following a closed door Senate meeting on the US capture of Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro, and his wife Cilia Flores, January 7, 2026.

Rubio says US plan for Venezuela is stability, recovery, then transition

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the US plans to stabilize Venezuela, secure access for US oil companies, and oversee a political transition, drawing sharp Democratic criticism.

|ByREUTERS
US President Donald Trump with US officials in the war room as the US conducts an operation to capture Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on January 3, 2026.

Trump's internal shifts in the US: How peace through strength restored global stability - opinion

Peace through strength is not outdated doctrine. It is the only doctrine that has ever stabilized a dangerous world.

|ByDUVI HONIG
US President Donald Trump is seen at a meeting in the White House earlier this month. The president wants to be visibly anti-intellectual, the writer says.

Donald Trump’s contempt for logic could end in devastation for the United States - opinion

When the US president dismisses logic, the danger extends beyond politics to disaster for the world.

|ByLOUIS RENÉ BERES

Trump administration exploring giving up NATO command, cutting defense expenditure - report

The Trump administration is considering giving up NATO command, a move that could drastically shift US influence in the alliance and alter US-EU relations.

MARCH 19, 2025ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
US President Donald Trump attends a meeting with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg (not pictured), ahead of the NATO summit in Watford, in London, Britain, December 3, 2019.

Houthi strikes: Gulf states await US response and regional impact - analysis

The US launches strikes on Iran-backed Houthis as Gulf nations monitor the impact, seeking signs of deterrence and regional stability.

MARCH 16, 2025BySETH J. FRANTZMAN
Smoke rises from an explosion after a projectile hit a group of buildings. March 15, 2025.

US Defense Secretary Hegseth vows 'unrelenting' strikes against Houthis until they back down

Hegseth warns Iran to “back off” as US airstrikes on Houthis ramp up in response to Red Sea attacks.

MARCH 16, 2025ByREUTERS, JERUSALEM POST STAFF
US secretary of defense nominee Pete Hegseth

Trump fires top US general in unprecedented Pentagon shakeup

Trump fired the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Air Force General C.Q. Brown, and pushed out five other admirals and generals.

FEBRUARY 22, 2025ByREUTERS
U.S. President Donald Trump signs the Laken Riley Act at the White House in Washington, U.S., January 29, 2025.

Defense Secretary Hegseth to Netanyahu: Destroying Hamas, Hezbollah is 'very important' to us

'Destroying the capabilities of Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon is very important to us. You have a long memory, and so do we,' Hegseth said.

FEBRUARY 5, 2025ByAMICHAI STEIN
US Secretary of Defense Hegseth meets with Israeli PM Netanyahu at the Pentagon, in Washington

Kippah-wearing bodyguard steals spotlight as Pete Hegseth begins role as US Def.-Sec.

Social media users commented that they were surprised to see a kippah-wearing security guard, some saying they had never before seen it in America. 

JANUARY 28, 2025ByMATHILDA HELLER
Hegseth arrived at the Pentagon on Monday and spoke to the press before entering the building with Air Force Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.