Hegseth: I support Israel destroying and killing every last member of Hamas

Speaking at his confirmation hearing before the US Senate’s Armed Services Committee, US President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for defense secretary Pete Hegseth says, “I support Israel destroying and killing every last member of Hamas.”

Notably, Israel’s current war aims do not extend to killing every last member of Hamas, and Israeli officials have told The Times of Israel that even Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has acknowledged as much. Doing so would have Israel bogged down in Gaza indefinitely, given that the terror group is managing to recruit new fighters. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said earlier today that Hamas has recruited as many fighters as it has lost.

“I’m a Christian and I robustly support the State of Israel and its existential defense,” Hegseth tells the Congressional committee.

Like members of many previous administrations, Hegseth says his top priority will be shifting the US military priorities away from the Middle East and toward China.

HEGSETH: "I'm a Christian and I robustly support the state of Israel and its existential defense … I support Israel destroying and k*lling every last member of Hamas" pic.twitter.com/w86gmjRHYq

— Chief Nerd (@TheChiefNerd) January 14, 2025