Defense Minister Benny Gantz lauds an agreement signed with the United States last week as ensuring Israel has the capabilities necessary to confront the threats it faces, during a visit by US Secretary of Defense Mark Esper today.
“The joint declaration we signed last week means that Israel will have the tools it needs to contend with aggressive and de-stabilizing forces, making it an even more effective ally to the US and creating the conditions for peace to prosper,” Gantz says following a meeting with Esper.
Gantz is referring to a document they both signed in Washington last week that reaffirms American commitment to maintaining Israel’s qualitative military edge, the technical term for military superiority in the Middle East.
Esper visited Israel today for a short trip on his way back from India. During his stop in Israel, Esper visited an Iron Dome missile defense battery that had recently been produced for the US military by the Rafael defense contractor. He and Gantz then held a meeting in Tel Aviv with Director General of the Defense Ministry Amir Eshel, and Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi.
“They discussed the imperative to maintain regional security and stability and to confront Iran,” Gantz’s office says.
— Judah Ari Gross
Defense Minister Benny Gantz (L) and his US counterpart Mark Esper stand in front of an Iron Dome air defense system at Ben Gurion Airport, October 29, 2020. (Ariel Hermoni/Defense Ministry)
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From the Liveblog of
Thursday, October 29, 2020
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