Chuck Hagel becomes US Defense Secretary

Chuck Hagel will replace Leon Panetta as the new Defense Secretary. He got 58 votes for and 41 against at the Senate, RIA Novosti reports.

US President Barack Obama introduced Hagel in early January. He is a 66-year-old veteran of the Vietnam War. He had been working at the Georgetown University prior to his appointment.

The Senate Committee on Armed Forces approved Hagel had approved Hagel as a candidate for the office on February 13. Senators demanded him to clarify his position on the Middle East and the Hamas-Iran dialogue.