Bill Maher on Chuck Hagel's Israel Remarks: 'The Israelis Are Controlling Our Government

In this photo provided by HBO, Bill Maher hosts the season premiere of "Real Time with Bill Maher" Friday, Jan. 18, 2013. Credit: AP

Republicans are strongly opposed to Chuck Hagel becoming the next defense secretary for a variety of reasons, including his friendliness towards Iran and controversial comments about Israel's influence on the U.S. government. On Friday, HBO host Bill Maher agreed with Hagel's assessment on Israeli influence.

"Based on every statement I've heard from every Republican in the last two years, the Israelis are controlling our government," he said, prompting applause from the audience.

Maher chastised Republicans for not just accepting the nomination because he's a "right-wing Republican."

"That's not good enough?" he added.

Watch the segment via HBO/Mediaite:

(H/T: Josh Feldman, Mediaite)