US defense deputy in Israel to review joint capabilities
Robert Work meets with Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon; each says the other’s country is ‘cornerstone’ of strategy, security
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Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon met Thursday with US Deputy Secretary of Defense Robert Work, who is currently visiting Israel for a review of joint security capabilities.
“Israel is a cornerstone in our policy and strategy in the Middle East,” Work said during a joint press conference with Ya’alon at the Defense Ministry in Tel Aviv. “My being here is just another indicator of our relationship. The US has always stood with Israel and always will.”
That relationship is especially vital in the face the “generational changes” and new threats in the Middle East, he said.
“Your security is of utmost importance to the United State and the US military,” he added. “It’s been a real pleasure to sit down and exchange views on a wide variety of different technological capabilities.”
Ya’alon told Work of Israel’s gratitude to the US for the two countries’ security cooperation.
“We benefit from this relationship very much, and we thank you very much,” he said. “We consider the relationship with the United States as the cornerstone of our national security.”
Work also met with President Reuven Rivlin at his official residence in Jerusalem.
.@DepSecDefWork meets with President Reuven Rivlin at the President's Residence in Jerusalem @PresidentRuvi pic.twitter.com/8y4eX8mAsk
— U.S. Embassy Jerusalem (@usembassyjlm) January 14, 2016
It was Work’s first visit to Israel, which he said is a beautiful country. His wife, Cassandra, who traveled with him, visited a hospital to meet with injured IDF soldiers after the couple arrived on Wednesday. The Works also planned on fitting in a tour of the Old City of Jerusalem during their short stay in the country.
The Times of Israel Community.