Hegseth Blasts Europe As “Paper Tiger” Over Defense

Hegseth Europe warning: U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said America will review its force deployment in Europe over the next six months.

The review comes as Washington pushes European allies to carry more responsibility for their own defense. Reuters reported that Hegseth announced the review at NATO headquarters in Brussels. He said it would focus on moving NATO “fast and irreversibly” toward Europe taking primary responsibility for its defense.

That message fits an older principle from the Tanakh. Proverbs says: “The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory belongs to the Lord.” In other words, faith and values do not replace readiness. They demand it.

Europe Must Lead

“Europe was not supposed to be dependent on the U.S.,” Hegseth said.

“That was not what Winston Churchill, Charles de Gaulle or Konrad Adenauer wanted or expected. No, Europe was supposed to be a military power, with America as a strong ally.”

His point was direct. America can be Europe’s strongest ally, but it cannot become Europe’s substitute for military strength.

Defense Before Slogans

Hegseth then sharpened his criticism.

“Instead of tanks, fighters, and air defense, Europe focused on gender equality, climate change, and austerity measures in defense,” he said.

He continued: “Europe’s borders were opened wide, the welfare states expanded, and defense budgets plunged, along with Europe’s belief in itself and its civilization.”

Finally, he added: “America cannot pay more for NATO’s defense than our allies pay.”

AP reported that Hegseth also criticized European countries for denying U.S. forces access to key bases for operations connected to Iran.

A Shared Lesson

For Israel, the warning is familiar. A free nation cannot defend civilians with slogans. It needs borders, air defense, soldiers, weapons, and national will.

That is also a shared American and Israeli value. Both countries understand that peace survives only when free nations can deter enemies.

The verse from Proverbs does not glorify war. It teaches responsibility. Nations must prepare the horse for battle, while remembering that strength must serve a moral purpose.

Hegseth’s message to Europe was simple: allies matter, but civilization cannot be outsourced.