Hegseth under pressure; allies weigh post-midterm US posture

· Politics · United States · Israel

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth is under growing pressure after the Democratic midterm sweep, with victorious Democrats planning to investigate his handling of the Pentagon and Republicans blaming the Iran war he championed for their losses. Hegseth issued a video vowing to fight impeachment efforts and defended the Iran war as 'courageous and historic'; Trump has stood by him. Israel faces a new era of sinking US support after the election, while Ukraine's Zelensky is optimistic about future backing. Germany said the midterms gave 'new urgency' to Ukraine talks, and Europe insists Russia end the war before its security concerns are addressed.

Why it matters：The US election result is reshaping Washington's alliances, from the future of a defence secretary to the war in Ukraine and support for Israel.

Key points

  • Democrats plan to investigate Hegseth's Pentagon record.
  • Hegseth vowed to fight impeachment and defended the Iran war.
  • Germany says the midterms added urgency to Ukraine talks.

Sources (original reporting)

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