WASHINGTON (AP) - Texas' new U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz says it's difficult to imagine supporting former U.S. Sen. Chuck Hagel if he is nominated to the Pentagon's top job.
    
The Republican Cruz spoke of Hagel, the front-runner to be the next defense secretary, on "Fox News Sunday." It was Cruz's first appearance on a Sunday morning talk show since being sworn into the U.S. Senate Thursday. Cruz is a member of the Senate's Armed Services Committee, which would hold hearings on the nomination.
    
Cruz said his issues with Hagel stem from comments the former Nebraska senator made about Israel. Hagel was quoted in a book complaining about the influence of the pro-Israel lobby on U.S. lawmakers. Cruz said Hagel's criticism does not reflect the U.S. security interest in maintaining that alliance.
    
The Republican Cruz spoke of Hagel, the front-runner to be the next defense secretary, on "Fox News Sunday." It was Cruz's first appearance on a Sunday morning talk show since being sworn into the U.S. Senate Thursday. Cruz is a member of the Senate's Armed Services Committee, which would hold hearings on the nomination.
    
Cruz said his issues with Hagel stem from comments the former Nebraska senator made about Israel. Hagel was quoted in a book complaining about the influence of the pro-Israel lobby on U.S. lawmakers. Cruz said Hagel's criticism does not reflect the U.S. security interest in maintaining that alliance.