Former Fox News host Pete Hegseth has ignited international controversy with his recent comments following explosive reports about alleged Israeli military actions in Gaza. The situation escalated dramatically after Hegseth declared 'We've only just begun' during a public appearance, creating global uproar amid ongoing investigations into potential war crimes.
The Controversial Comments and Their Context
Hegseth, speaking at a public forum on November 29, 2025, made the statement that immediately went viral across social media platforms. His remarks came precisely when international media outlets were reporting about an alleged 'kill them all' command supposedly given during recent military operations in Gaza. The timing and nature of Hegseth's comments drew immediate condemnation from human rights organizations and diplomatic circles worldwide.
The United States government has officially launched an investigation into the reported incidents. State Department officials confirmed they are examining whether American-made weapons were used in potential violations of international humanitarian law. This probe represents a significant development in the ongoing conflict that has drawn global attention for months.
International Reactions and Diplomatic Fallout
Reactions to both the reports and Hegseth's comments have been swift and severe. The United Nations Security Council convened an emergency session to discuss the allegations. Multiple European nations have called for independent investigations, while several Middle Eastern countries have demanded immediate international intervention.
Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International issued joint statements expressing deep concern about the escalating situation. They emphasized that any commands encouraging the killing of civilians would constitute grave breaches of international law and could be investigated as war crimes.
The controversy has put additional strain on US-Israel relations at a particularly sensitive time. The Biden administration faces increasing pressure from both domestic and international partners to address the allegations transparently and ensure accountability.
Hegseth's Defense and Ongoing Developments
In response to the backlash, Hegseth has maintained that his comments were taken out of context. He claims his statement about 'only just begun' referred to broader geopolitical strategies rather than specific military actions. However, critics argue that given the timing and circumstances, his remarks were at minimum highly irresponsible.
The situation continues to develop rapidly, with new information emerging daily. The international community watches closely as investigations proceed, aware that the outcomes could have significant implications for future military cooperation and international law enforcement.
As of now, both Israeli officials and Hegseth himself face mounting pressure to provide clearer explanations and context for their respective statements and actions. The coming weeks are likely to see continued diplomatic maneuvering and potentially significant policy shifts regarding the ongoing conflict.