The Pentagon released its 2026 National Defense Strategy on Friday, naming Israel a ‘model ally’ and emphasizing a ‘peace through strength’ doctrine. The 34-page document, signed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, shifts U.S. defense priorities to homeland security and regional stability, while urging allies to bear greater security burdens.
Immediate Action & Core Facts
The strategy positions Israel at the center of U.S. Middle East policy, recognizing its self-defense capabilities and military independence. It also declares Iran’s nuclear program ‘obliterated’ and its ‘axis of resistance’—including Hezbollah and Hamas—‘severely degraded.’
Meanwhile, the Pentagon reorients its focus away from China as the top security priority, instead prioritizing homeland and Western Hemisphere defense. The document calls for a ‘strong denial defense’ in the Indo-Pacific to deter Chinese dominance.
Deeper Dive & Context
Shifting Priorities: Israel and the Middle East
The strategy marks a departure from previous U.S. policies by explicitly endorsing Israel’s military actions and criticizing the Biden administration for ‘tying Israel’s hands’ after the October 7 attack. It commits to removing bureaucratic obstacles to ensure Israel’s military superiority, framing Israeli strength as a pillar of regional stability.
The document also references the success of ‘Operation Midnight Hammer,’ using language reminiscent of the Trump administration’s rhetoric on Iran. This suggests a continuation of hardline policies toward Tehran.
China and the Indo-Pacific
Contrary to previous strategies, China is no longer the Pentagon’s top security priority. Instead, the U.S. will rely on ‘strength, not confrontation’ to deter Chinese dominance in the Indo-Pacific. The strategy emphasizes fortifying the ‘first island chain’—stretching from Japan to the Philippines—to control Pacific access.
The Pentagon also urges regional allies to contribute more to collective defense, reinforcing deterrence through ‘denial’ strategies. This aligns with broader U.S. efforts to redistribute defense burdens among partners.
Homeland and Hemisphere Focus
The strategy reaffirms that U.S. homeland security is the top priority, a shift from previous administrations’ globalist approaches. It highlights the importance of securing key terrain, including the Panama Canal, Gulf of Mexico, and Greenland, to protect American interests.
The document contrasts its approach with past ‘utopian idealism,’ advocating for ‘hardnosed realism’ in defense policy. It also references recent Trump administration actions, such as strikes against drug traffickers and pressure on allies to acquire Greenland.
Political and Strategic Implications
The strategy reflects a return to Trump-era policies, including a more transactional approach to alliances and a focus on unilateral U.S. interests. Critics may argue this risks alienating allies, while supporters see it as a necessary correction to overreach.
The Pentagon’s reduced emphasis on China could signal a strategic pivot or a recalibration of priorities amid evolving global threats. Meanwhile, the elevation of Israel’s role may reshape U.S. Middle East policy, particularly in countering Iran and its proxies.