Narrowest vote to approve a Pentagon chief since the position was created, reflecting deep conservative distrust of the former Republican.
World powers began a new round of high-level talks with Iranian officials Tuesday, trying to find a way out of a yearslong tussle over Tehran's nuclear program.
Condemned him for attacks on own people and failure to respond to Israeli occupation of Golan.
Backing from conservative Republican Richard Shelby appeared to put him over the top.
New U.S. Secretary of State has promised to restart peace talks between Israel and Palestine, but that won't be on the agenda of this first voyage.
Israel's prime minister says North Korea's recent nuclear test shows that "sanctions alone will not stop" Iran's atomic program.
14-11 committee vote capped a contentious confirmation hearing, with full Senate approval still up in the air.
Controversial terrorism expert has reputation for embracing "enhanced interrogation" and drone strikes.
Frustrated the president is planning to focus more on fixing ties with P.M. Netanyahu than reviving peace talks on Israel trip.
President's first trip to Israel since taking office not expected to revive the Palestinian peace process.
