In the first of what will be many contentious confirmation processes of the new Trump administration, Pete Hegseth became the new Secretary of Defense in a wild 51-50 vote. The tie-breaking vote by Vice President JD Vance was necessary because three Republican Senators joined the 47 Democrats in voting against Hegseth. Despite this, Hegseth is in, and Jewish groups are celebrating his confirmation.

Following the confirmation, various Jewish organizations have publicly expressed their support and congratulations. The Israel Heritage Foundation (IHF) has been particularly vocal since his nomination, with Rabbi David Katz and Dr. Joseph Frager issuing a statement that not only congratulated Hegseth but also highlighted his dedication to both American and Israeli security. “The Israel Heritage Foundation congratulates Pete Hegseth on his nomination as US Secretary of Defense. A true friend to our organization and to Israel, Pete’s impressive background makes him an ideal candidate. We commend President Trump for this wise decision, and we pray for their success in securing America’s and Israel’s safety,” they stated. This acknowledgment reflects the longstanding relationship between Hegseth and the IHF, where he was honored at previous events for his contributions.

Similarly, the Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce (OJCC) extended its “heartfelt congratulations” to Hegseth. The OJCC emphasized the decade-long partnership with Hegseth, describing him as an “invaluable ally” who has been instrumental in hosting and chairing numerous high-level events and activism initiatives. His involvement in significant events, like honoring Congressman Chris Smith for his work leading to the establishment of the US Envoy for Anti-Semitism, underscores his commitment to Jewish causes. Furthermore, Hegseth’s role as a keynote speaker at various gatherings, including those at the residence of Israel’s Consul General, has been noted as a testament to his support for Israel’s security and the Jewish community at large.

Hegseth’s confirmation also resonates with those who appreciate his stance against what he terms the “woke” movement, particularly in how it impacts religious freedom and values in the workplace and beyond. His advocacy in this area has been seen as a defense of traditional values, which aligns with the concerns of many in the Jewish community about the preservation of religious freedoms. His firm stand has been appreciated by groups like the OJCC, who see him as a champion for preserving cultural and religious identities against what they perceive as encroaching modern ideologies.

During his confirmation process, Hegseth was a vocal supporter of Israel and gave clear indications that the Jewish state will have the full backing of the Pentagon in the ongoing seven-front war. “I’m a Christian, and I robustly support the State of Israel and its existential defense, and the way America comes alongside them as their great ally,” Hegseth said to Senator Tom Cotton (R-Ark.). “I support Israel destroying and killing every last member of Hamas.”

In one of his first official acts, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This introductory call underscored the “unbreakable bond” between the United States and Israel, with discussions centered on advancing mutual security interests and addressing persistent threats. Hegseth emphasized the US’s full commitment under President Trump’s leadership to ensuring Israel’s defensive capabilities. Both leaders agreed to maintain close communication, signaling a continuation of strong bilateral relations.

Now at the helm of the Department of Defense, Hegseth has outlined several priorities that he plans to address. His vision includes a significant focus on rebuilding “peace through strength,” which he interprets as prioritizing military readiness by replenishing ammunition supplies and restoring what he describes as the “Warrior Ethos” to the US Military. Hegseth aims to reestablish deterrence by focusing on lethality and maintaining America’s competitive edge, especially in high-tech warfare against adversaries like China.

He has also pledged to purge what he refers to as “woke” generals and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) accommodations from the military, aiming to return the focus to what he believes should be the core mission of the military: warfighting. His comments suggest a significant overhaul of current military leadership and policies, which, he feels, have been too focused on social issues rather than combat effectiveness and readiness.

There are several deep-state actors within the military who will work to undermine Hegseth and President Trump. In response to Trump’s executive order to remove DEI from the military, reports came out that the United States Air Force Academy would stop teaching about the Tuskegee Airmen, the group of black pilots from before the integration of the military. This act of malicious compliance was made to look like Trump – who honored the Tuskegee Airmen in his first term – was trying to erase contributions to the military from Black Americans. This couldn’t be further from the truth, and Hegseth ensured that the history of the Tuskegee Airmen will still be taught at the academy.

Pete Hegseth’s confirmation as the US Secretary of Defense is a moment of celebration for many Jewish organizations who have seen him as a steadfast ally. His plans for the Department of Defense promise a shift towards traditional military values and capabilities, which he believes have been overlooked in recent years. As he steps into this role, the implications of his policies will be closely watched, both by those who support his vision and those who are concerned about the direction of the US Military under his leadership.

Moshe Hill is a political analyst and columnist. His work can be found at www.aHillwithaView.com and on X at @HillWithView.