Secretary Austin reiterated U.S. commitment to Israel’s security and qualitative military edge
United States Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin met with Israeli Defense Minister Benjamin Gantz on December 9, in Washington, D.C.
During the meeting, Secretary Austin reiterated U.S. commitment to Israel’s security and qualitative military edge.
Israeli defense minister while speaking to the media after his meeting with Secretary Austin said that departments of defense of the U.S. and Israel “share the same vision for global security, stability and prosperity. Our partnership is built not only on strategic interest, but on shared values, history and personal relationship.”
Secretary Austin also confirmed the United States’ resolve to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. The Department of Defense official statement read: “The two leaders discussed shared concerns regarding Iran’s nuclear provocations, support for terrorism, and missile program.”
“The Tehran of today possess a strategic threat to international security to the entire Middle East and to the state of Israel. And will work closely with our American allies to ensure that any new agreement with Iran will secure the vital interest of the world, of the United States, prevent dangers, unrest in our region and protect the state of Israel,” Israeli Defense Minister Gantz said.
Israeli Defense Minister further said that Israel is “continuing to work closely with the Palestinians authority to help bring stability and prosperity to our close neighbors”.
“Both leaders highlighted the tremendous opportunity that accompanies the expanding normalization agreements and agreed to continue the close defense cooperation between the two countries to support regional security objectives,” the U.S. Department of Defense statement added.
According to the Department of Defense statement: Secretary Austin also emphasized support for President Biden’s goal of a two-state solution, as well as the need for both sides to refrain from unilateral steps that exacerbate tensions, including advancing settlement activity.
The U.S. Embassy in Israel released a statement citing U.S. Secretary of Defense Austin saying: “I was tremendously pleased with our discussion on a number of security issues, which are important to our two countries. And I wanted to convey the Biden-Harris administration’s strong commitment to Israel and the Israeli people.”
