Pentagon chief denies Israel pulling US into Middle East war

Published May 5, 2026 Updated May 5, 2026 05:57pm

Asked if the US could get roped back into the Middle East war by Israel, War Secretary Pete Hegseth has strongly denied the possibility.

“President [Donald] Trump has led at every step of this based on his view of American interests and ‘America First’, and we’re grateful that the Israelis have been very capable partners at various steps of this,” he says in response to a question.

“They may have some objectives at times that are slightly different than ours, but there’s only one hand on the wheel ultimately directing this … and it’s President Trump,” Hegseth adds.

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