The State of Israel offered its formal congratulations to incoming US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Sunday following the Senate confirmation of his appointment.
Hegseth’s Israeli counterpart, Defense Minister Israel Katz, noted in a letter sent to the new defense secretary that one of the first orders of business must be the issue of the global threat presented by Iran and its proxies.
“The defense alliance between our nations is marked by shared goals and values of peace, security and prosperity,” Katz wrote.
“The longstanding commitment and support of the United States to Israel’s security and its Qualitative Military Edge, is of great value.
“Since the massacre on Oct 7th, Israel has been fighting a war against the multidimensional Iranian threat on 7 fronts. We have made many achievements and dramatically weakened those who seek our destruction. The support of the United States during the war highlights the strength and importance of our defense partnership, proving that when we stand together we are stronger.
“Iran and its partners continue to threaten the regional and global stability,” Katz warned.
“The upcoming months present us with challenges that require military readiness and opportunities that allow us to further our strategic goals … Israel and the United States must work together to be at the forefront of the technological, military, and defense industrial base.
“The continuation of cooperation between our countries is vital to furthering our success and power across the globe. I am looking forward to advancing and deepening our bilateral ties in the future,” Katz added.
In addition to having been a Fox News contributor, Hegseth is no stranger to the military: he is a veteran who has served in Iraq and in Afghanistan. During those tours of duty he was decorated with Bronze Stars, two Army Commendation Medals and a Combat Infantryman Badge, having served as an active-duty member of the Minnesota Army National Guard and then the District of Columbia National Guard. He completed his service with the rank of major.
