A political firestorm is brewing in Washington over President Barack Obama's reported choice for Secretary of Defense. The President is expected to nominate former Senator Chuck Hagel for the job but there is growing and bitter opposition to the nomination - surprisingly from Hagel's own Republican Party.

Chuck Hagel is a decorated Vietnam war veteran and a highly respected political figure in Washington.

But a number of prominent Republican leaders have expressed outright opposition to his nomination because - they say - he has not shown sufficient allegiance to Israel.

Senator Lindsay Graham, republican of South Carolina, said, "Chuck Hagel - if confirmed - would be the most antagonistic Secretary of Defense toward the State of Israel in our nation's history. Not only has he said you should negotiate directly with Iran, sanctions won't work, that Israel must negotiate with Hamas - a terrorists organization that lobs thousands of rockets into Israel, he was also one of 12 senators who refused to sign a letter to the European Union trying to designate Hezbollah a terrorist organization."

The Republican opposition to Hagel sets up a potentially acrimonious confirmation hearing in the United States Senate.

The top Republican in the Senate, Mitch McConnell said he expected Hagel to face serious questions about his stand on Israel and Iran.

Senator Mitch McConnell, Republican of Kentucky, said, "Whomever is nominated for Secretary of Defense is going to have a full understanding of our close relationship with our Israeli allies, the Iranian threat and the importance of having a robust military."

While many may question Hagel's commitment to Israel, supporters point to the fact that he voted for nearly $40-billion in military aid for the country while a Senator.

Senator Heidi Heitkamp, democrat of North Dakota, said, "Chuck Hagel is a tremendous patriot and statesman. Served incredibly in Vietnam, served his country as a United States Senator. He hasn't had a chance to speak for himself so why all the prejudging."

Hagel received the Purple Heart twice for wounds he suffered in Vietnam and served in the US Senate for two terms ending in 2009.

His nomination by the President is expected on Monday.

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