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Next US defence secretary Pete Hegseth called for new Jewish temple at Al-Aqsa

US President-elect Donald Trump's choice for the next United States defence secretary has called for the building of a third Jewish temple on the site of Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem.

Pete Hegseth, a former TV show host, was picked by the incoming president for the role following his election victory earlier this month.

Hegseth has previously touted his avowedly pro-Israel credentials, which derive in part from his fundamentalist Christian beliefs.

Read more: Former TV host said in 2018 there was no reason the 'miracle' of the construction couldn't take place on site of mosque in Jerusalem