WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Claiming there is no military solution in Iraq, Michigan Democratic Sen. Carl Levin, the incoming chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, told CNN Wednesday U.S. forces should begin a “phased reduction” from the war-torn country in four to six months.

"There is no military solution," Levin told CNN. "Only a political solution-- that we've got to force the Iraqis to accept that by telling them we're going to begin a phased reduction of our forces in four to six months."

Levin's comments come as the Senate Armed Services committee is set to hear testimony Wednesday from Gen. John Abizaid, the top U.S. commander in the Middle East.

David Satterfield, the State Department's senior adviser on Iraq, CIA Director Gen. Michael Hayden, and Defense Intelligence Agency Director Lt. Gen. Michael Maples are also expected to testify Wednesday before the committee.

Related: Top general to face Iraq questions