Chuck Hagel

Ex-Defense Secretary: We must protect our country

'Stay Above It': Ex-Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel's call to preserve democracy.

Hagel: Obama hurt his credibility by failing to act in Syria

Former Defense Secretary criticizes President Obama for his failure to follow up on a warning to Syria about using chemical weapons.

Pentagon Estimates 6,000 Jihadists Have Been Killed

American defense officials say about 6,000 jihadists killed in air strikes against ISIS. Hagel: Don't use "body counts" to measure progress.

Obama Names Ashton Carter as Defense Secretary

President Obama names Ashton Carter to replace Chuck Hagel as defense secretary.

Hagel: I Had No Major Differences with Obama

Outgoing Defense Secretary denies that differences with President Barack Obama led to his resignation.

Obama to Nominate Ashton Carter to Replace Hagel

President Barack Obama reportedly poised to nominate Ashton Carter as next Defense Secretary.

Potential Replacement for Hagel Bows Out of Race

Michèle Flournoy, former undersecretary of defense for policy, takes herself out of running to replace Chuck Hagel.

American Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel Resigns

Chuck Hagel announces his resignation. Senior officials claim the decision to step down was made mutually by Obama and Hagel.

100 ISIS Fighters Killed in Three Days as Kobane Battle Rages

Kurdish forces continue to fend off jihadi advance, as US airstrikes continue despite fears they are aiding the regime.

White House shakeup?

US Officials Say Obama May Replace Kerry

Senators and White House officials reveal Obama may get rid of Kerry and Hagel; Kerry 'untethered from the White House' like an astronaut.

Deal: US to Sell Israel Squadron of F-35 Stealth Jets

$2.7 billion dollar deal to be deducted from US aid funds; deal announced amid high tensions in US-Israel relations.

Ya'alon Tells Hagel: 'We're Worried About Iran Talks'

Defense minister asks what is being discussed in talks, 'are they talking about nuclear warhead-capable missiles?'

U.S. Confirms Apache Deliveries to Egypt

Defense Secretary Hagel speaks with Egyptian counterpart, confirms the United States plans to deliver 10 Apache helicopters to Egypt.

Hagel: We Need to Weigh Consequences of Operation Against IS

U.S. Defense Secretary says he will advise President Obama to consider how any operation against IS might end.

Biden: We'll Follow IS to the Gates of Hell

U.S. Vice President warns the Islamic State after it beheads a second journalist.

Syria: 'Moderate' Rebels Scoff at US Threats Against ISIS

Obama Administration's threats against Islamic State in Syria a mere 'tickle' to the terrorist group, Free Syrian Army spokesman says.

Hagel: IS an 'Imminent Threat'

U.S. Defense Secretary says the Islamic State poses an “imminent threat” to the United States and may take years to defeat.

Hagel: Bergdahl Trade 'In the US's Best Interests'

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel defends controversial prisoner swap to Congress, claims ends justify the means in saving soldier's life.

Taliban Welcomes 'Victory' After US Exchange

Taliban leader issues rare public statement congratulating Islamists over US terrorist release; Afghan government livid over the swap.

PM Urges International Community 'Not To Let Ayatollahs Win'

Binyamin Netanyahu, Chick Hagel meet over concerns about Iran's nuclear program, says neither surprised about UN report.

Hagel Meets US, Israeli Soldiers

Chuck Hagel gives troop talk to U.S. and Israeli troops taking part in the Juniper Cobra 14 exercise at Hatzor Airbase.

Hagel Dismisses Reports Israel Spied on US

'I have heard about the report and I am unaware of any facts that would support it,' says visiting US Secretary of Defense.

Hagel in Jordan Amid Joint Military Exercises

U.S. Defense Secretary makes lightning visit to Jordan as the American and Jordanian armies hold joint exercises.

Hagel to Travel to Israel, Discuss Iran and Syria

U.S. Defense Secretary will fly to Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Israel for talks on Iran's nuclear program and Syria's civil war.

Ya'alon to Hagel: I Did Not Intend to Insult the U.S.

Defense Minister speaks to Defense Secretary Hagel, clarifies his remarks on Iran were not meant to insult the United States.

Ya'alon to Hagel: Iran Funding and Arming Terror Groups

U.S. Defense Secretary speaks to Defense Minister Ya’alon, congratulates him on the successful operation to capture the Klos C.

US Army Cut To Smallest Size Since Pre-World War II

New budget has army at smallest size since 1940, shunning traditional wisdom to prepare for two simultaneous conventional war fronts.

Ya'alon: 'Obsessive' US Is 'Our Greatest Friend'

After previously calling Kerry 'obsessive' and 'messianic,' Ya'alon meets Hagel and emphasizes shared values while softening tone.

Hagel Phones Yaalon, Reiterates Commitment on Iran

U.S. Defense Secretary calls Israeli Defense Minister to continue their "close consultations on shared regional security challenges."

Hagel: We Still Support 'Moderate' Syrian Rebels

Hagel says his country will withhold non-lethal assistance to the rebels until it can assess who is in control of arms depots.

Hagel In Pakistan To Ease Drone Strike Tensions

In 1st visit by a US Sec'y of Defense in 4 years, Hagel arrives in Pakistan amid tensions over US drone strikes, concern over Afghanistan.

Hagel Expresses Concern Over New Egypt Protest Law

U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel phones his Egyptian counterpart, voices concerns about new law that curbs protests.

Kerry: Deal 'Best Chance' to Stop Nuclear Iran

After meeting with defense officials, Kerry still backs precarious Iran deal, but also vows not to let Iran 'buy time.'

Yaalon at Defense Ministers' Conference in Canada

Moshe Ya'alon travels to Canada for conference of defense ministers, will meet various officials including US Defense Minister Hagel.

U.S. to Keep Patriot Missiles in Turkey

The United States will keep two Patriot missile batteries in Turkey for another year, says Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel.

Hagel Credits Israel with Bringing Iran to the Table

"I think that Iran is responding to the constant pressure from Israel, knowing that Israel believes them to be an existential threat.”

Hagel Expedites V-22 Sale to Israel Amid Syria Strikes

The American Secretary of Defense gave orders to hurry the military aircraft delivery 1 day after IAF strikes missile transfer in Syria.

Hagel: Failure to Act in Syria Hurts Our Credibility on Iran

Hagel to Senate committee: Failure to take action in Syria's will damage America's pledge to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.

Hagel and Yaalon Discuss Egypt and Syria

U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel speaks with his Israeli counterpart about Egypt, Iran and the ongoing violence in Syria.

Hagel: US Ability to Influence Egypt 'Limited'

Chuck Hagel said that Washington was doing its best to stabilize the situation in Egypt, but there was only so much the U.S. could do

Hagel: We'll Maintain Our Ties with Egypt, But...

U.S. Defense Secretary says his country will retain its military ties with Egypt but more violence could jeopardize them.

Hagel: Iran Must Resolve Nuclear Concerns

U.S. defense chief says in Azerbaijan that it is imperative that Iran quickly resolve concerns about its nuclear program.

Israel Defense Minister Yaalon to Meet with Hagel at Pentagon

Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon left on Wednesday for talks with US counterpart Chuck Hagel, his first visit to Washington since March.

Hagel: U.S. Not Ruling Out Arming Syrian Rebels

U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel acknowledges his government is no longer ruling out arming Syrian rebels.

U.S.: Much Work Needed to Confirm Syria's Use of Chemicals

White House spokesman Jay Carney says “much more” work needs to be done to verify assessments that Syria used chemical weapons.

Hagel: We Suspect Assad Used Sarin

US Defense Secretary: American intelligence believes "to some degree" gas was used on small scale.

Egypt Assures Hagel: We're Committed to Peace with Israel

Egypt’s leaders have assured visiting U.S. Defense Secretary that they are committed to their country’s peace treaty with Israel.

Hagel Warns Israel Over Syrian Chemical Weapons Allegations

Hagel cautions Israel over Syrian chemical weapons claims, saying such allegations are "serious business".

Iran: US-Israel Arms Deal Only Serves to Destabilize Region

Iran has denounced a deal for the US to sell advanced missiles and aircraft to Israel, saying it will only serve to destabilize the region.

Netanyahu Meets Hagel – Iran on Agenda

Iranian nukes are "a challenge that Israel cannot accept," says Netanyahu.

Hagel: Arms Deal a Sign of 'Ironclad' U.S. Support for Israel

U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel and Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon hail a major arms deal as a sign of U.S. support for Israel.

Yaalon: Israel Acted to Prevent Arms Reaching Hizbullah

Defense Minister Yaalon implicitly confirms Israel was behind a January strike on a weapons convoy in Syria headed for Hizbullah terrorists

Yaalon Met Hagel, Discussed Iran

Hagel tells Israeli counterpart Israel has the right to defend itself.

Yaalon Meets Hagel: The U.S. is Our Best Friend

Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon meets with his visiting American counterpart, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel.

Citizens to Yaalon: Ask Hagel for Pollard

Defense Minister's Facebook page flooded with requests that he demand Pollard's freedom.

Israel, Turkey Quietly Discuss Possible Strike on Iran?

Israeli envoy Yaakov Amidror begins to raise the issue of Iran in delicate talks in Ankara Sunday as negotiations discuss the Mavi Marmara.

US-Israel Arms Deal Sends ‘Clear Signal’ to Iran, Says Hagel

A multi-billion dollar arms deal with Israel is designed to send a “clear message” to Iran, says US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel.

Hagel in Israel to Discuss Iran and Syria

U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel arrives in Israel on Sunday, where he will kick off a trip to the Middle East.

Hagel to Finalize Arms Deal with Israel, Saudi Arabia and UAE

$10 billion arms deal with Israel, Saudi Arabia and the UAE will see the U.S. providing missiles, warplanes and troop transports.

Hagel to Bring News of More Iron Dome Funding

US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel is expected to confirm the US has approved another $400 million for the Iron Dome defense system.