Pentagon

Pentagon's 2026 defense strategy names Israel a ‘model ally,’ shifts to ‘peace through strength’

The 34-page document, signed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, constitutes a strategic message to Israel, solidifying its position as the United States' most senior partner in the Middle East.

This picture taken 26 December 2011 shows the Pentagon building in Washington, DC.
US President Donald Trump speaks with members of the media aboard Air Force One, January 11, 2026; illustrative.

WATCH: Trump: Watching Iran closely, we have a massive armada heading in that direction

US President Donald Trump at the East Room of the White House on January 15, 2026.

Trump told large-scale Iran strikes would not topple Islamic Republic regime, officials tell WSJ

Qatar Emiri Air Force personnel load aid onto a military cargo plane headed to Syria, at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, December 30, 2024.

Where are the American bases in the Middle East Iran threatened it might strike? - explainer


White House denies assessment that US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities were ineffective - CNN

"Everyone knows what happens when you drop fourteen 30,000 pound bombs perfectly on their targets: total obliteration," White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt told CNN.

 White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt holds a press briefing at the White House in Washington, June 19, 2025.

Israel is indebted to Trump for Fordow attack, cannot easily dismiss his demands - analysis

Trump’s leverage—newly reinforced by the dramatic events of the past week—could tilt Israel’s calculations in Gaza, especially if a ceasefire or hostage deal begins to take shape.

 Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump shake hands following a meeting in the White House, in Washington, April 7, 2025.

WATCH: Israel receives US-German military cargo shipment, Iran denounces US's 'complicity'

Since the start of Operation Rising Lion last Friday, 14 such planes have landed in Israel, along with over 800 others since the start of the Israel-Hamas War, the Defense Ministry noted.

 A worker unloads a cargo plane carrying military equipment from US and Germany to defend Israel from Iranian attacks, June 19, 2025.

Why is there controversy surrounding the new Pentagon press secretary, Kingsley Wilson?

Kingsley Wilson's appointment has raised eyebrows as Wilson has made several comments over the years that indicate support or belief in antisemitic conspiracy theories.

 US Secretary of Defense Hegseth meets with Israeli PM Netanyahu at the Pentagon, in Washington

New Pentagon chief spox. has history of antisemitic, pro-replacement theory comments

Kingsley Wilson originally served as the Pentagon's deputy press secretary before her Friday promotion.

 Kingsley WIlson was recently appointed as deputy press secretary at the Pentagon.

Trump announces design for Golden Dome defense system based on Israel's Iron Dome

Trump said on Tuesday that Canada wanted to be part of his Golden Dome missile defense system and that the United States would help Canada.

 US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth speaks as he makes an announcement with US President Donald Trump (not pictured) regarding the Golden Dome missile defense shield, in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, May 20, 2025.

Qatar plans to gift Boeing 747 private jet to Trump

The estimated value of the aircraft is approximately $400 million, before any adjustments made by the US Air Force, aviation experts told ABC.

 US President Donald Trump boards Air Force One for travel back to Washington at Palm Beach International Airport, in West Palm Beach, Florida, May 4, 2025.

Gaza aid pier: Why 62 US troops were hurt in a mission that shouldn't have happened - analysis

More soldiers were injured than previously known, illustrating that the previous US admin was not forthcoming about this failure.

Members of the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy and the Israeli military put in place the Trident Pier, a temporary pier to deliver humanitarian aid, on the Gaza coast, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, May 16, 2024.

Israel's military expenditure surged by 65% in 2024, research shows

Spending across the Middle East reached an estimated $243 billion in 2024, increasing 15% from 2023, and 19% more than it was in 2015.

 IDF soldiers in a swearing in ceremony. February 27, 2025.

Are B-2 bombers a message to Iran? 'We'll let them decide,' Pentagon chief says

When asked if the B-2s were meant to send a message to Iran, Hegseth said: "We'll let them decide."

 US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth speaks during a press conference, in Panama City, Panama April 9, 2025