This story was originally published by the WND News Center.

JERUSALEM – In one of his first official acts as new secretary of defense, Pete Hegseth spoke with Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the phone Sunday, during which the two discussed the "unbreakable bond" which exists between the United States and Israel.

According to an official, "both leaders discussed the importance of advancing mutual security interests and priorities, especially in the face of persistent threats. The secretary stressed the United States is fully committed, under President Trump's leadership, to ensure Israel has the capabilities it needs to defend itself."

Netanyahu warmly congratulated the new head of the Department of Defense on his confirmation.

Hegseth was speaking in the wake of the Trump administration's release of a significant tranche of MK-84 2,000-pound bombs, which the Biden administration halted, concerned Israel would use them in its assault on Rafah – which took place anyway despite the unofficial embargo.

A statement from the Prime Minister's Office read: "Secretary Hegseth noted his many years of support for the State of Israel and his friendship with Prime Minister Netanyahu, and promised the U.S. would stand shoulder to shoulder alongside Israel and was fully committed to its security."

At his confirmation, Hegseth responded to a question from U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., about Israel saying he was a Christian who "robustly supported the State of Israel and its existential defense." He added for a flourish, "I support Israel destroying and k*lling every last member of Hamas."