Hagel heads to Israel Sunday on first overseas trip
Pentagon head tells congressional committee that any decision to support an Israeli strike on Iran would be made by Obama
WASHINGTON — Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said he will be traveling to Israel in a few days, his first trip to the Mideast ally since he took over at the Pentagon.
He is expected to head to Israel on Sunday, following on the heels of President Barack Obama’s trip last month and three visits by Secretary of State John Kerry, as the two allies work to thwart Iran’s nuclear drive, grapple with Syria’s bloody instability, and bid to restart Israeli-Palestinian peace talks..
Hagel mentioned the trip during congressional testimony on Tuesday as lawmakers pressed him on whether the United States would support Israel if it launches a strike against Iran. Hagel told a House panel that such a policy decision would be made by Obama.
Israel fears that Iran is close to producing a nuclear weapon. Tehran insists that the program is for peaceful purposes.
During his contentious confirmation hearing, Hagel faced tough questions on whether he was sufficiently supportive of Israel. He insisted that he was, despite previous statements and votes while he served in the Senate.